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Postcard #2
Postkaart Pariisist
Annie Lovell soovib kogu südamest oma ellu natuke sädet tuua. Kui tema eakas naaber ootamatult Pariisis korteri pärib, pakib Annie kohvri ja sõidab Prantsusmaale asja uurima. Ta ei suuda enda uudishimu ohjeldada, kui avastab ajakapslina puutumatuna seisnud korteri seina sisse peidetud salajased päevikud, mille lehekülgedel jutustab oma elust noor inglanna Beatrice Crawford, kes 1916. aastal vabatahtliku halastajaõena Prantsusmaa lahinguväljadel sõdureid põetas. Romantilisest Pariisist võlutud Annie hakkab taipama, et esmamulje ei pruugi alati tõtt peegelda. Järgnedes Beatrice’ile ilmasõjast pöörastesse džässiaastatesse ja väga teistsugusesse ellu Teise maailmasõja aegses Pariisis, tuleb Anniel minevikusündmused kild killu haaval kokku panna – ainult nii saab ta hoolitseda pärandi eest, mille Beatrice talle leidmiseks jättis. Alex Brown on menuautor, kelle raamatuid on nüüdseks tõlgitud juba 15 keelde. Eestlasteni on tema paeluv jutustamisoskus seni jõudnud romaani „Postkaart Itaaliast“ vahendusel. Oma uusimas raamatus viib Alex lugeja armastuselinna Pariisi, kus rullub lahti tundeküllane lugu armastusest, sõprusest ja südame kutse järgimisest. „Ma olen vaimustuses!” – Lesley Pearse „Leidlikult kokkupõimitud lood innustasid aina järgmist lehekülge keerama.” – Trisha Ashley
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
327 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Alex Brown
26 books468 followersAlex Brown is an International No.1 bestselling author of fourteen books including A Postcard from Italy, the Carrington’s series, The Secret of Orchard Cottage, The Great Christmas Knit Off, The Wish, A Postcard from Paris and the Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery series. Her books are loved worldwide and have been translated into twenty languages.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 8, 2021
This read opens in a small country village of Tindledale,1916. Young Beatrice (Trixie to her friend Queenie) has been inspired to join up for the war effort much to the annoyance of her family, who are part of the elite establishment. Considering an advantage Beatrice with Queenie as her companion learn French and German with Queenie being a quick and skilled learner. In the midst of the German occupation of France when Queenie, barely recognisable to Beatrice with her new sophisticated look, her German language skills manage to save Beatrice from exposure to the Germans hiding a young Jewish boy and an English airman in the basement of her shop in Paris.
London 2019, Annie Lovell is patiently enduring her daughter Phoebe lecturing on the perils of drink and of Annie's "aged" (all of 49!) related fall and subsequent foot injury. Phoebe is pushing for her mother to sell up, retire and move closer to her. Annie, while enduring this verbal tirade is feeling a little lost, her best friend of many years has left the UK for Australia and work opportunities. Annie, after her divorce has devoted her time to work, her children and her friendship with Beth. However, out of the blue, her (certainly aged) neighbour, Joanie receives an unusual inheritance from Paris, an apartment and shop. Joanie is a war orphan and as far as she is aware, no family, all killed in the war. Annie, her long time friend and neighbour finds herself accepting Joanie's request to travel to Paris to find out more about this inheritance.
This is the chance that Annie needs to start to reshape her life and Paris, who could want for more! Annie checks into a small establishment where she quickly finds friendship with the owner and a rather outspoken American. When she explains her reason for being in Paris her two new friends are thrilled at the thought of looking back in time and discovering the history of the shop and apartment.
The history of the establishment and its link to Joanie remain undiscovered until nearly the end of the book. The three friends make some unusual discoveries about the shop and the apartment with hidden items in wall cavities, glass jars in the garden for which reveals that Beatrice was a herbalist and the shop was an apothecary. This has the three friends first thinking that Beatrice was a German spy but this is quickly dismissed when the ingredients of her herbal remedies and herb lists reveal a system of codes and that she had been part of the Resistance.
On returning to England Annie armed with more information on Beatrice's origins is able to discover more of Joanie's family history with Joanie after a lifetime of no family, finally discovering a wealth of family.
London 2019, Annie Lovell is patiently enduring her daughter Phoebe lecturing on the perils of drink and of Annie's "aged" (all of 49!) related fall and subsequent foot injury. Phoebe is pushing for her mother to sell up, retire and move closer to her. Annie, while enduring this verbal tirade is feeling a little lost, her best friend of many years has left the UK for Australia and work opportunities. Annie, after her divorce has devoted her time to work, her children and her friendship with Beth. However, out of the blue, her (certainly aged) neighbour, Joanie receives an unusual inheritance from Paris, an apartment and shop. Joanie is a war orphan and as far as she is aware, no family, all killed in the war. Annie, her long time friend and neighbour finds herself accepting Joanie's request to travel to Paris to find out more about this inheritance.
This is the chance that Annie needs to start to reshape her life and Paris, who could want for more! Annie checks into a small establishment where she quickly finds friendship with the owner and a rather outspoken American. When she explains her reason for being in Paris her two new friends are thrilled at the thought of looking back in time and discovering the history of the shop and apartment.
The history of the establishment and its link to Joanie remain undiscovered until nearly the end of the book. The three friends make some unusual discoveries about the shop and the apartment with hidden items in wall cavities, glass jars in the garden for which reveals that Beatrice was a herbalist and the shop was an apothecary. This has the three friends first thinking that Beatrice was a German spy but this is quickly dismissed when the ingredients of her herbal remedies and herb lists reveal a system of codes and that she had been part of the Resistance.
On returning to England Annie armed with more information on Beatrice's origins is able to discover more of Joanie's family history with Joanie after a lifetime of no family, finally discovering a wealth of family.
March 1, 2023
I enjoyed this one enormously. It was the second in the series but, it read as a stand alone book. The characters were sometimes funny and the whole story was interesting. The only person who irritated me was the daughter who spoke to her mum like she was stupid and needed to go into a care home even though she was in her mid forties. I would definitely read more in this series if they are like this one.
April 10, 2021
Given I'm not a fan of history, based on the blurb I was to be honest reluctantly intending to pass this book by, despite being by one of my favourite authors, as I really wasn't sure I would enjoy it. but then I was invited onto the blog tour and the publicist must have caught me in a daring mood, as skipping an Alex Brown book never fully sat right with me, and so I agreed to read and review.
What I can say instantly is that I am so thankful Jen Harlow gave me the opportunity to be a part of this tour, as the book is totally amazing, and there was plenty to keep my interest and have me hooked.
Although initially the first chapter I would have perhaps been set in the present day, it did give us a wonderful introduction to Beatrice Crawford, who the more we get to know her throughout the book, the more impressive this lady becomes.
She was living in France, and then more importantly Paris itself during both World Wars, and we get glimpses of her life from 1916, through the roaring twenties, and into mid 40s, where well I can't tell you, but just wow.
Beatrice though has left her apartment to Joanie, who is Annie's neighbour and friend, but no one knows why, so Annie goes to Paris to find out about this inheritance for Joanie, and in doing so alters the course of her own life too.
Annie's daughter Phoebe initially was against the trip and a few of their early exchanges had me rolling my eyes and laughing out loud at just how Phoebe was trying to portray her mother. Annie also on her first night in Paris, makes 2 new friends and they become a fabulous trio who are all invested in trying to discover the truth about this apartment.
A lot of Beatrice's story is told within various diary entries, drip fed to the reader as and when needed, and what was evident to me is just how much research Alex Brown must have done to make these diary entries as authentic as they seemed. Even though I'm clearly more of a fan of present day plots, I was fascinated by the life Beatrice was living in wartime France, and found myself with great admiration for the woman.
Oh and I was also happy to see how Tindledale fitted into the story, the village from some of the authors previous books, that I've always enjoyed!
I didn't guess the outcomes on any of the mysteries, and I feel as though I definitely learnt things too.
What this has said to me, is don't judge a book by its blurb, always trust a favourite author will have your back and tell you a story that you want to hear, and that this is one seriously impressive book. I should never have had doubts in the first place, but I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, its so well written and really did capture my attention from early on, and found it was compelling to read as normal.
Thank you to Jennifer Harlow at Harper Collins for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,.
What I can say instantly is that I am so thankful Jen Harlow gave me the opportunity to be a part of this tour, as the book is totally amazing, and there was plenty to keep my interest and have me hooked.
Although initially the first chapter I would have perhaps been set in the present day, it did give us a wonderful introduction to Beatrice Crawford, who the more we get to know her throughout the book, the more impressive this lady becomes.
She was living in France, and then more importantly Paris itself during both World Wars, and we get glimpses of her life from 1916, through the roaring twenties, and into mid 40s, where well I can't tell you, but just wow.
Beatrice though has left her apartment to Joanie, who is Annie's neighbour and friend, but no one knows why, so Annie goes to Paris to find out about this inheritance for Joanie, and in doing so alters the course of her own life too.
Annie's daughter Phoebe initially was against the trip and a few of their early exchanges had me rolling my eyes and laughing out loud at just how Phoebe was trying to portray her mother. Annie also on her first night in Paris, makes 2 new friends and they become a fabulous trio who are all invested in trying to discover the truth about this apartment.
A lot of Beatrice's story is told within various diary entries, drip fed to the reader as and when needed, and what was evident to me is just how much research Alex Brown must have done to make these diary entries as authentic as they seemed. Even though I'm clearly more of a fan of present day plots, I was fascinated by the life Beatrice was living in wartime France, and found myself with great admiration for the woman.
Oh and I was also happy to see how Tindledale fitted into the story, the village from some of the authors previous books, that I've always enjoyed!
I didn't guess the outcomes on any of the mysteries, and I feel as though I definitely learnt things too.
What this has said to me, is don't judge a book by its blurb, always trust a favourite author will have your back and tell you a story that you want to hear, and that this is one seriously impressive book. I should never have had doubts in the first place, but I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, its so well written and really did capture my attention from early on, and found it was compelling to read as normal.
Thank you to Jennifer Harlow at Harper Collins for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,.
Read
April 6, 2021
Discover the locations in the novel A Postcard from Paris
Location setting as you can imagine is really good! There's a lovely mention of Shakespeare and Company bookstore as well which was a lovely touch.
April 8, 2021
A Postcard From Paris
This story is mainly about how Annie travels to Paris on a mission for her elderly neighbour Joanie who has unexpectedly inherited an apartment and shop in the city, to try and find out why and by whom.
While there Annie meets two other women, Maggie who owns the B&B where she is staying and the delightful café downstairs and American divorcee Kristen. Although these three women are very different they share resilience and bond that makes for great friendships. Together they uncover hidden secrets into the life of the previous owner Beatrice while also discovering more about each other and themselves.
I found the English and French history in this book fascinating as is the link to Tindledale, which is always a joy to revisit.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Harper Collins for the ARC. This review is my own opinions of A Postcard From Paris.
This story is mainly about how Annie travels to Paris on a mission for her elderly neighbour Joanie who has unexpectedly inherited an apartment and shop in the city, to try and find out why and by whom.
While there Annie meets two other women, Maggie who owns the B&B where she is staying and the delightful café downstairs and American divorcee Kristen. Although these three women are very different they share resilience and bond that makes for great friendships. Together they uncover hidden secrets into the life of the previous owner Beatrice while also discovering more about each other and themselves.
I found the English and French history in this book fascinating as is the link to Tindledale, which is always a joy to revisit.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Harper Collins for the ARC. This review is my own opinions of A Postcard From Paris.
June 18, 2021
I loved so much about this book, It's the perfect summer read 😊 History and mystery, family drama, personal growth, and of course a little romance! It is Paris after all 😉 Seriously though, I loved how this book came together, married all of the story lines, and finished beautifully ❤️ I'll definitely be looking to read the other books in this series!
April 11, 2021
This is an absolutely stunning book by Alex. It is written in two time settings; present day and during the war. It is similar to a jigsaw in word form as we learn the events that happened during the war that has lead the the events of the present time. Thank you Alex for a lovely book.
March 16, 2021
I received an e-ARC from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Annie's life, a middle-aged single mother from London whose children have grown up. Her best friend has moved away for an exciting career opportunity, leaving Annie alone in a tedious job and lonely life. When Annie’s elderly neighbour mysteriously inherits an apartment in the heart of France, Annie jumps at the chance to inspect the property and go on vacation in Paris.
Beatrice owned the apartment (or Trixie), an English woman who left England in 1916 to work as a nurse in World War I and returned to France I'm the 1920s until she died at the age of 102. Annie finds Trixie’s diaries of her life through the Roaring Twenties through to the Second World War and works to piece together Trixie’s involvement in the Second World War and her connection to Joan - a British war orphan.
The only part I'd eliminate is Annie’s daughter Phoebe. Phoebe is abusive and controlling, trying to force her mother to retire and sell her home to move north so Phoebe can “check-in” on her like she's elderly... Not 49... And then it ends up being a cover for Phoebe’s own personal issues, which she also lied about and then blamed her mother for. It felt so strange and pointless to the plot.
Sidebar: what 22 years old owns her own thriving business but can leave it for months to escape Australia because they have a “manager” to run it for them? None.
I love Annie’s and Trixie’s storylines as they encounter love, loss, and friendship and want more details of Trixie’s life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book follows Annie's life, a middle-aged single mother from London whose children have grown up. Her best friend has moved away for an exciting career opportunity, leaving Annie alone in a tedious job and lonely life. When Annie’s elderly neighbour mysteriously inherits an apartment in the heart of France, Annie jumps at the chance to inspect the property and go on vacation in Paris.
Beatrice owned the apartment (or Trixie), an English woman who left England in 1916 to work as a nurse in World War I and returned to France I'm the 1920s until she died at the age of 102. Annie finds Trixie’s diaries of her life through the Roaring Twenties through to the Second World War and works to piece together Trixie’s involvement in the Second World War and her connection to Joan - a British war orphan.
The only part I'd eliminate is Annie’s daughter Phoebe. Phoebe is abusive and controlling, trying to force her mother to retire and sell her home to move north so Phoebe can “check-in” on her like she's elderly... Not 49... And then it ends up being a cover for Phoebe’s own personal issues, which she also lied about and then blamed her mother for. It felt so strange and pointless to the plot.
Sidebar: what 22 years old owns her own thriving business but can leave it for months to escape Australia because they have a “manager” to run it for them? None.
I love Annie’s and Trixie’s storylines as they encounter love, loss, and friendship and want more details of Trixie’s life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2021
It feels like we have been waiting forever for the next book in the Postcard series from Alex Brown but at last I had the absolute pleasure of reading A Postcard from Paris. I’ve always loved Alex’s writing ever since her debut and look forward enormously to each book that she publishes. I love that with her last few books that she has begun to weave some elements of the past into a modern day story. I feel she is only getting into her stride with regard to this as this was the only minor issue that I found with this story. I found that I wanted more of it to feature in the past and to hear more from Beatrice’s viewpoint not just through recounts in the form of diary entries invaluable though they proved to be. I found myself searching for more sections directly featuring Beatrice as there were long periods that focused on the present. The balance between past and present was just ever so slightly off for me but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I hope with her next book that Alex will include even more from a character in the past perspective if writing in a similar vein to this book.
Pushing the only little issue I had with this book aside, I found the book to be a page turner and it’s a story that you will want to read in one sitting if at all possible as you will be swept away to the city of lights. Our main character Annie Lovell is asked to complete a task and in doing so she goes on her own personal journey. It’s not one she had until that point realised that she needed to take but arriving in Paris sees her shedding her old self. She became like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. A new and improved Annie, one who was more open began to see the light of day and it would never have happened if her elderly neighbour had not inherited an apartment in Paris which has remained unchanged since the day its long term resident left the building.
The opening takes us to a familiar setting for long term fans of this author, that of Tindledale, which really holds a special place in my heart as the books set there were absolutely brilliant. It’s 1916 and Beatrice Crawford is 18 and she craves adventure, clearly wanting to break away from the confines of the small rural village and find her place in the world. It was a time when the suffragettes were campaigning for women’s rights and women were taking a more active role especially in their desire to do more for the war effort. Despite the misgivings of her family, as they would much rather she marry someone her father has selected for her, Beatrice soon finds herself on the western front working in a field hospital. Beatrice knows her own mind and is in charge of steering her own destiny but the war and its consequences will have far reaching repercussions for her and it will truly alter the course of her life.
I felt like Beatrice was an enigma for most of the book and that we only got to know her through what Annie discovers. The opening was strong and we got to know a good bit about her, what she wanted to achieve and why she felt the need to do this but then I felt this dropped off and it’s only through the diaries that Annie discovers hidden in the apartment that we got glimpses into her life post war. The clues and hints dropped throughout were tantalising and as Annie inched ever to closer to the truth I was just desperate to know what exactly was going on and what kind of life did Beatrice lead which ultimately led some of her neighbours to believe she was a collaborator with the Germans. Surely from what we read of her through letters and diary entries that was not the kind of person she was.
I was confused but in a good way as I found my thought process behind the entire story focusing on Beatrice veering off in so many directions with endless possibilities. I love when a book really takes you on a journey and you are never sure until that very last moment of reveal what exactly will happen. It’s even more enjoyable when you are left reeling in shock when all the little hints join together to make brilliant connections that you had never even contemplated. All the while whilst reading, I kept trying to figure out what was the connection between Joanie and Beatrice and I was very far off the mark when the moment of truth came around. As with Alex’s last book, I found the twists and turns to be brilliant although slightly rushed as we neared the end. It felt at one point even though I thought said twists were just genius that they were coming just slightly too thick and fast in order for me to absorb their consequences and to connect them with what I had read throughout the story. I found myself having to reread several pages towards the end just to make sure I had comprehended everything correctly. But still I thought they were brilliant even though perhaps a little fleshing out was needed.
As for the more modern day aspect of the book, I loved Annie as a character. I thought she went through such a genuine and worthwhile transformations throughout the book. She really ventured out of her comfort zone and tried new experiences casting her old life aside and she was all the better for doing this. Annie has been on her own ever since her husband Mark left when her two children were young. She works as a bookkeeper in the accounts department of a solicitors and likes to spend her time at home focusing on decorating and interior design. But Annie is lonely now that her best friend and confidant Beth has left to work in Australia. She doesn’t like putting herself out there either socialising or dating and to be honest what’s wrong with that if you are comfortable with what you are doing?
But maybe deep down although she won’t admit it to herself Annie needs a change. She regularly visits her neighbour Joanie and on one of those evenings they spend together, Joanie breaks the news she has inherited an apartment in Paris that she knows nothing about nor who is the Beatrice that has left it to her in her will. Joanie is elderly and not able to travel so Annie accepts her offer and will travel to Paris to take care of everything on Joanie’s behalf. Little does Annie realise this trip will be a turning point in her life with many surprises along the way.
The descriptions of Paris were just stunning and so vivid and having never been there and with the current pandemic halting all thoughts of travel, it was brilliant to be whisked away to whole new city and to see it from Annie’s viewpoint. Instantly you could see when she landed in France that there was a spring in her step and that with time she would gain her confidence back. She had always wanted to travel but slipped too far into her comfort zone and now was the opportunity she had needed to be a little braver. Phoebe was Annie’s daughter whom I found to be very overbearing and pushy. She made demands on her mother which seemed unreasonable and in my mind it was almost as of she was trying to make her old before her time. It’s only as the story develops that my opinion of Phoebe did a complete 360 and things made so much more so sense. This aspect of the plot was dealt with very well with great sensitivity and tact but still strongly getting the message across. It fitted in well with the overall development of Annie both as an individual and as a mother.
I loved the café where Annie met Maggie and Kirsten. Initially I thought they formed an unlikely trio as they had such varying emotional complexities but as they navigated their way through uncovering all the secrets the apartment had to offer up, their bond became strong and it really felt like they were there for each other. The descriptions of the apartment were just so beautiful and it was like time had stood still. When Annie discovers some hidden diaries it becomes clear there was a lot going on at the apartment all those years ago and we are taken on a whirlwind of a story that has you desperately trying to join the dots. There are lots of similarities between Beatrice and Annie and as Annie uncovers more and more secrets hidden for so long she starts to come to terms with the fact that her life has been basic and she had gotten herself stuck in a rut. She needs less reserve and more openness. She never thought doing a favour for Joanie would lead to such changes and discoveries but accepting a task and doing the right thing leads her on a journey of friendship, love and one which uncovers remarkable bravery.
Alex Brown is definitely on top form with A Postcard from Paris. Old and new readers will be very pleased and I would definitely recommend it. I just hope she doesn’t leave as long until her next book is published because reading anything by this wonderful author is always such a treat.
Pushing the only little issue I had with this book aside, I found the book to be a page turner and it’s a story that you will want to read in one sitting if at all possible as you will be swept away to the city of lights. Our main character Annie Lovell is asked to complete a task and in doing so she goes on her own personal journey. It’s not one she had until that point realised that she needed to take but arriving in Paris sees her shedding her old self. She became like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. A new and improved Annie, one who was more open began to see the light of day and it would never have happened if her elderly neighbour had not inherited an apartment in Paris which has remained unchanged since the day its long term resident left the building.
The opening takes us to a familiar setting for long term fans of this author, that of Tindledale, which really holds a special place in my heart as the books set there were absolutely brilliant. It’s 1916 and Beatrice Crawford is 18 and she craves adventure, clearly wanting to break away from the confines of the small rural village and find her place in the world. It was a time when the suffragettes were campaigning for women’s rights and women were taking a more active role especially in their desire to do more for the war effort. Despite the misgivings of her family, as they would much rather she marry someone her father has selected for her, Beatrice soon finds herself on the western front working in a field hospital. Beatrice knows her own mind and is in charge of steering her own destiny but the war and its consequences will have far reaching repercussions for her and it will truly alter the course of her life.
I felt like Beatrice was an enigma for most of the book and that we only got to know her through what Annie discovers. The opening was strong and we got to know a good bit about her, what she wanted to achieve and why she felt the need to do this but then I felt this dropped off and it’s only through the diaries that Annie discovers hidden in the apartment that we got glimpses into her life post war. The clues and hints dropped throughout were tantalising and as Annie inched ever to closer to the truth I was just desperate to know what exactly was going on and what kind of life did Beatrice lead which ultimately led some of her neighbours to believe she was a collaborator with the Germans. Surely from what we read of her through letters and diary entries that was not the kind of person she was.
I was confused but in a good way as I found my thought process behind the entire story focusing on Beatrice veering off in so many directions with endless possibilities. I love when a book really takes you on a journey and you are never sure until that very last moment of reveal what exactly will happen. It’s even more enjoyable when you are left reeling in shock when all the little hints join together to make brilliant connections that you had never even contemplated. All the while whilst reading, I kept trying to figure out what was the connection between Joanie and Beatrice and I was very far off the mark when the moment of truth came around. As with Alex’s last book, I found the twists and turns to be brilliant although slightly rushed as we neared the end. It felt at one point even though I thought said twists were just genius that they were coming just slightly too thick and fast in order for me to absorb their consequences and to connect them with what I had read throughout the story. I found myself having to reread several pages towards the end just to make sure I had comprehended everything correctly. But still I thought they were brilliant even though perhaps a little fleshing out was needed.
As for the more modern day aspect of the book, I loved Annie as a character. I thought she went through such a genuine and worthwhile transformations throughout the book. She really ventured out of her comfort zone and tried new experiences casting her old life aside and she was all the better for doing this. Annie has been on her own ever since her husband Mark left when her two children were young. She works as a bookkeeper in the accounts department of a solicitors and likes to spend her time at home focusing on decorating and interior design. But Annie is lonely now that her best friend and confidant Beth has left to work in Australia. She doesn’t like putting herself out there either socialising or dating and to be honest what’s wrong with that if you are comfortable with what you are doing?
But maybe deep down although she won’t admit it to herself Annie needs a change. She regularly visits her neighbour Joanie and on one of those evenings they spend together, Joanie breaks the news she has inherited an apartment in Paris that she knows nothing about nor who is the Beatrice that has left it to her in her will. Joanie is elderly and not able to travel so Annie accepts her offer and will travel to Paris to take care of everything on Joanie’s behalf. Little does Annie realise this trip will be a turning point in her life with many surprises along the way.
The descriptions of Paris were just stunning and so vivid and having never been there and with the current pandemic halting all thoughts of travel, it was brilliant to be whisked away to whole new city and to see it from Annie’s viewpoint. Instantly you could see when she landed in France that there was a spring in her step and that with time she would gain her confidence back. She had always wanted to travel but slipped too far into her comfort zone and now was the opportunity she had needed to be a little braver. Phoebe was Annie’s daughter whom I found to be very overbearing and pushy. She made demands on her mother which seemed unreasonable and in my mind it was almost as of she was trying to make her old before her time. It’s only as the story develops that my opinion of Phoebe did a complete 360 and things made so much more so sense. This aspect of the plot was dealt with very well with great sensitivity and tact but still strongly getting the message across. It fitted in well with the overall development of Annie both as an individual and as a mother.
I loved the café where Annie met Maggie and Kirsten. Initially I thought they formed an unlikely trio as they had such varying emotional complexities but as they navigated their way through uncovering all the secrets the apartment had to offer up, their bond became strong and it really felt like they were there for each other. The descriptions of the apartment were just so beautiful and it was like time had stood still. When Annie discovers some hidden diaries it becomes clear there was a lot going on at the apartment all those years ago and we are taken on a whirlwind of a story that has you desperately trying to join the dots. There are lots of similarities between Beatrice and Annie and as Annie uncovers more and more secrets hidden for so long she starts to come to terms with the fact that her life has been basic and she had gotten herself stuck in a rut. She needs less reserve and more openness. She never thought doing a favour for Joanie would lead to such changes and discoveries but accepting a task and doing the right thing leads her on a journey of friendship, love and one which uncovers remarkable bravery.
Alex Brown is definitely on top form with A Postcard from Paris. Old and new readers will be very pleased and I would definitely recommend it. I just hope she doesn’t leave as long until her next book is published because reading anything by this wonderful author is always such a treat.
March 10, 2024
אנני היא אם יחידנית שילדיה כבר בגרו ועזבו את הבית, והיא "תקועה" בעבודה לא מספקת. חברתה הטובה בת' עברה לאוסטרליה ואנני בודדה. שכנתה המבוגרת, ג'ואני, מתבשרת כי ירשה דירה בפריז מאישה בשם ביאטריס, שהיא אינה מכירה. ג'ואני מבקשת מאנני שתיסע לפריז, תבדוק מה מצב הדירה ותכין אותה למכירה, וכן תנסה לגלות מי היתה ביאטריס ומה הקשר שלה לג'ואני.
עלילת הספר לוקחת אותנו גם לתקופת מלחמת העולם הראשונה וגם לתקופת מלחמת העולם השנייה, דרך יומניה של ביאטריס, שאנני מוצאת.
ספר מקסים ממש ומעניין. נהניתי לקרוא. מומלץ!
עלילת הספר לוקחת אותנו גם לתקופת מלחמת העולם הראשונה וגם לתקופת מלחמת העולם השנייה, דרך יומניה של ביאטריס, שאנני מוצאת.
ספר מקסים ממש ומעניין. נהניתי לקרוא. מומלץ!
December 29, 2021
Hea lihtne lugemine, kerge vaheldus raskematele teemadele. Isiklikult oleks tahtnud rohkem lugeda Beatrice elust, kes läks 1916 aastal vabatahtlikuna halastajaõena Prantsusmaale.
Kogu raamatus see suur, pühendunud ja ka ootamatud sõprused naiste vahel tundusid veidi liiga roosamannaline, mina ei suutnud väga osta.
Küll aga oli lihtsalt armas lugemine, positiivne ja hea.
Kogu raamatus see suur, pühendunud ja ka ootamatud sõprused naiste vahel tundusid veidi liiga roosamannaline, mina ei suutnud väga osta.
Küll aga oli lihtsalt armas lugemine, positiivne ja hea.
April 27, 2021
Annie’s life is simple and enjoyable until her best friend moves country and her grown up children start their lives leaving Annie alone. Her elderly neighbour Joanie has always been a part of Annie’s life so when she inherits an apartment in Paris, it is no surprise that she asks Annie to explore it on her behalf. This mystery inheritance reveals a deep connection between the previous owner Beatrice and Joanie, as Annie makes great discoveries.
This is a fantastic piece of historical fiction. I have been really enjoying this genre lately and Brown’s narrative is absolutely stunning. The author easily achieved the dual narration from past and present and executed the entwining of the stories in a marvellous way. The reader follows different time periods and I thoroughly enjoyed reading both sides, especially during WWII. I definitely found myself favouring the chapters surrounding the past as Brown conveyed such a powerful and emotional read. Any story that is set around that time period is sure to break your heart and I absolutely loved the originality that Brown had. The concept was unique and captivating. The modern narrative was also fascinating and both allowed for vivid and beautiful descriptions of Paris. I was transported to Paris at every scene and this exemplifies the incredible talent Brown possesses.
Beatrice was a remarkable character and I loved learning the link between her and Joanie. This provided such a great surprise and heartwarming yet heartbreaking read. All the characters that Brown write are brilliant and are equally explored to provide the reader with some great accounts. They provide such emotional involvement and were realistic to read. I am definitely convinced to read more from this author!
The pace of the novel was a soft and fluent one to begin with. The finding of the clues were revealed with good timing and the connection to the dual narratives provided a succinct and thoughtful story. I really appreciate the effort Brown must have went through to achieve such a great impact to the reader in presenting an honest and important book. However, the ending did feel a little rushed in comparison to the rest of the novel. It kind of felt like a bit of information dumping and I would have loved more devotion to the ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and was delighted to have received a copy. I will certainly be recommending this to all fans of historical fiction.
Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for my gifted copy of A Postcard from Paris by Alex Brown in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fantastic piece of historical fiction. I have been really enjoying this genre lately and Brown’s narrative is absolutely stunning. The author easily achieved the dual narration from past and present and executed the entwining of the stories in a marvellous way. The reader follows different time periods and I thoroughly enjoyed reading both sides, especially during WWII. I definitely found myself favouring the chapters surrounding the past as Brown conveyed such a powerful and emotional read. Any story that is set around that time period is sure to break your heart and I absolutely loved the originality that Brown had. The concept was unique and captivating. The modern narrative was also fascinating and both allowed for vivid and beautiful descriptions of Paris. I was transported to Paris at every scene and this exemplifies the incredible talent Brown possesses.
Beatrice was a remarkable character and I loved learning the link between her and Joanie. This provided such a great surprise and heartwarming yet heartbreaking read. All the characters that Brown write are brilliant and are equally explored to provide the reader with some great accounts. They provide such emotional involvement and were realistic to read. I am definitely convinced to read more from this author!
The pace of the novel was a soft and fluent one to begin with. The finding of the clues were revealed with good timing and the connection to the dual narratives provided a succinct and thoughtful story. I really appreciate the effort Brown must have went through to achieve such a great impact to the reader in presenting an honest and important book. However, the ending did feel a little rushed in comparison to the rest of the novel. It kind of felt like a bit of information dumping and I would have loved more devotion to the ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and was delighted to have received a copy. I will certainly be recommending this to all fans of historical fiction.
Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for my gifted copy of A Postcard from Paris by Alex Brown in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2021
Annie is rather dissatisfied with her life, her children have flown the nest and are treating her as some elderly woman who is about to croak her last. In fact Annie is in the prime of her life and she is worried she is letting it pass her by,
When her definitely elderly neighbour Joanie, inherits and apartment in Paris, Annie offers to go across and investigate this legacy and try to piece together how a lady with no relatives has been left an apartment in Paris above what looks to be an old fashioned shop.
Annie discovers the story of Beatrice ‘Trixie’ Crawford who left to be a nurse in First World War, through the Roaring Twenties and into the depths of occupied Paris in the Second World War. Told through letters or diary entries throughout the present day story we piece together who Trixie was and why it comes that Joanie is her sole benefactor.
As Annie discovers Trixie she discovers herself as well. Making friends with a loud brash American, Kirsten and widow Maggie who runs the place where Annie is staying they all discover that love can come in many forms. Of course being in the most romantic city in the world there has to be a touch of romance, and that was provided in bucket loads by the gorgeous Etienne.
This is a great introduction to historical fiction if it isn’t your normal choice of book. For me I would have liked more in the past and perhaps less of the present day story which was not really relevant to the story. That said, it was there to give an understanding to the character of Annie but could easily have been removed for more pages dedicated to Trixie and her story, which fascinated me more. This book holds your attention as you discover how everyone is related and get swept into the beauty of Paris, from the hidden streets and banks to the wonder of the Eiffel Tower all lit up.
A book which will take you away not just to the past but also to Paris without you even leaving your home. Perfect holiday reading at any time of the year.
When her definitely elderly neighbour Joanie, inherits and apartment in Paris, Annie offers to go across and investigate this legacy and try to piece together how a lady with no relatives has been left an apartment in Paris above what looks to be an old fashioned shop.
Annie discovers the story of Beatrice ‘Trixie’ Crawford who left to be a nurse in First World War, through the Roaring Twenties and into the depths of occupied Paris in the Second World War. Told through letters or diary entries throughout the present day story we piece together who Trixie was and why it comes that Joanie is her sole benefactor.
As Annie discovers Trixie she discovers herself as well. Making friends with a loud brash American, Kirsten and widow Maggie who runs the place where Annie is staying they all discover that love can come in many forms. Of course being in the most romantic city in the world there has to be a touch of romance, and that was provided in bucket loads by the gorgeous Etienne.
This is a great introduction to historical fiction if it isn’t your normal choice of book. For me I would have liked more in the past and perhaps less of the present day story which was not really relevant to the story. That said, it was there to give an understanding to the character of Annie but could easily have been removed for more pages dedicated to Trixie and her story, which fascinated me more. This book holds your attention as you discover how everyone is related and get swept into the beauty of Paris, from the hidden streets and banks to the wonder of the Eiffel Tower all lit up.
A book which will take you away not just to the past but also to Paris without you even leaving your home. Perfect holiday reading at any time of the year.
March 24, 2021
I’ve always been a fan of Alex Brown’s books and I adored reading her latest novel, A Postcard from Paris.
Annie wants to put the spark back in her life and when her elderly neighbour Joan inherits an apartment in Paris, Annie is given the opportunity to head to Paris to find out more information. After finding a bundle of diaries hidden in one of the walls, Annie’s interest is piqued as she’s taken on a journey from the Great War through the twenties and onto WW2 following the story of Beatrice Crawford who volunteered in 1916 to help the soldiers in the French fields. Slowly with the help of a couple of new friends, Annie starts to piece together the life of Beatrice and realises not everything is as it seems.
I found this book a joy to read and impossible to put down. Set mainly in present day but with some chapters from Beatrice’s time just add to the wonderful enchanting story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author for the chance to review.
Annie wants to put the spark back in her life and when her elderly neighbour Joan inherits an apartment in Paris, Annie is given the opportunity to head to Paris to find out more information. After finding a bundle of diaries hidden in one of the walls, Annie’s interest is piqued as she’s taken on a journey from the Great War through the twenties and onto WW2 following the story of Beatrice Crawford who volunteered in 1916 to help the soldiers in the French fields. Slowly with the help of a couple of new friends, Annie starts to piece together the life of Beatrice and realises not everything is as it seems.
I found this book a joy to read and impossible to put down. Set mainly in present day but with some chapters from Beatrice’s time just add to the wonderful enchanting story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author for the chance to review.
March 2, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
Reading A PostCard From Paris was a pleasure from start to finish.
Annie is a woman in her late 40’s, working in an utterly predicable job and bored witless. Having broken her foot in a fall, Annie has had lots of time to think and reassess her life, so when the chance comes to go to Paris to explore a mystery inheritance, Annie accepts with alacrity now that her foot is healed.
This story spans the years, as we find out about the mysterious life of Beatrice, from World War 1 to war torn Paris during the German occupation and onward.
This is a marvellous story of the power of friendship, love and family.
Not to be missed!
Reading A PostCard From Paris was a pleasure from start to finish.
Annie is a woman in her late 40’s, working in an utterly predicable job and bored witless. Having broken her foot in a fall, Annie has had lots of time to think and reassess her life, so when the chance comes to go to Paris to explore a mystery inheritance, Annie accepts with alacrity now that her foot is healed.
This story spans the years, as we find out about the mysterious life of Beatrice, from World War 1 to war torn Paris during the German occupation and onward.
This is a marvellous story of the power of friendship, love and family.
Not to be missed!
April 18, 2021
I loved this from the very start. Such a captivating brilliant emotional story. It was wonderful seeing Annie grow in confidence though the story- her friendships with Kristen and Maggie were so supportive, emotional and heartwarming - I wanted to join them on their discovery of Beatrice. The historical details show the amount of research Alex Brown must have conducted and this shines through the storyline, with the beautiful backdrop of Paris making the story so real. A beautiful read I’ll be recommending time and again.
November 17, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two women starting over at two different points in history. Most of the book is set in Paris, which is a perfect setting for this sort of story. There is also an interesting mystery involved as the modern day heroine is trying to find out why her neighbor inherited an apartment in Paris from someone she never heard of. The story comes together beautifully at the end.
April 9, 2021
A glamorous and moving portrayal of love, war and friendship. I adored this book! Alex Browne at her very best.
May 14, 2021
such a cute read, loved every moment
September 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this and it wasn’t what I was expecting in that it was a dual timeline. It was very cleverly done as the ‘flashbacks’ to WW1 and WW2 were mostly in the form of diary entries. It was nice to find out the back story of Beatrice or ‘Trixie’ as she is referred to.
Joanie is left an apartment in Paris in Trixie’s will and asks her neighbour Annie if she would go to Paris and see the apartment and see if she can find out how she is linked to Trixie. Joanie was orphaned as a child and grew up in a children’s home so had no idea about her family, only her parents names.
A lovely read. I loved the setting in Paris. Annie is a lovely character and we obviously find out more about her life and children. Loved how the ending wrapped everything up.
Joanie is left an apartment in Paris in Trixie’s will and asks her neighbour Annie if she would go to Paris and see the apartment and see if she can find out how she is linked to Trixie. Joanie was orphaned as a child and grew up in a children’s home so had no idea about her family, only her parents names.
A lovely read. I loved the setting in Paris. Annie is a lovely character and we obviously find out more about her life and children. Loved how the ending wrapped everything up.
February 5, 2023
My favourite 3rd person book. ♥️♥️♥️♥️
February 14, 2025
I've read all three of the Postcard series and enjoyed all of them but I enjoyed this one the most.
March 11, 2025
4 🌟
I enjoyed this more than I'd anticipated! the ending made me smile :))
I enjoyed this more than I'd anticipated! the ending made me smile :))
May 24, 2023
Enjoyable read especially after I have just visited Paris. Uplifting story with thought provoking topics. Look forward to reading more of this author.
February 16, 2023
Jälle üks neist raamatutest, kus kordamööda jookseb lugeja silme eest läbi lugusid erinevatest inimestest ning aegadest - selleks, et lõpuks põimuda üheks tervikuks.
Sõprade Beatrice'i ning Queenie juurest jõuame sajand hilisemasse aega, kus ükskikuna elav Annie peab aru andma oma ülihoolitsevale tütrele Phoebe'ile... Oi-oi, see lõik ajas mind kohe päris pahaseks kuivõrd Annie on minust vaid aasta vanem ning tema tütar kohtleb teda kui nõrka ja abitut pensionäri... Naine on redelit mööda pööningule minnes sattunud väikesesse õnnetusse ning seetõttu on tema jalas mõra - tütar näeb selles ideaalset võimalust seada küsimuse alla Annie paljuoodatud reis Pariisi. Kuid samas, elu näitab, et midagi must-valget pole olemas ning pole kuigi lihtne inimeste käitumise tagamaid lõpuni läbi näha.
Annie on elanud keerulist elu - pärast ootamatut lahkuminekut oma abikaasast Markist on ta kasvatanud suureks kaks last ning üksijäämise tõttu pidanud loobuma loomingulise sisekujundaja ametist, valides selle asemel praktilisema ja tulutoovama raamatupidaja oma. Annie hea sõbranna Beth on just läinud aastaks tööle Austraaliasse ning naine tunneb tema järele suurt igatsust. Pariisi läheb Annie oma hea sõbra ja naabri Joanie palvel, kes üllatuslikult saab temale tundmatult naiselt päranduseks uhke korteri Pariisi väljapaistvast linnaosas ning murrab pead selle üle, kuidas ta võiks olla lahke võõraga seotud.
Mõne sõnapaariga on nii, et kui seda loed ühe või kaks korda, tundub veel mõistlik - aga kui juba lühikese aja jooksul loed 4-5 korda (ja seejärel veel kümmenkond korda), kuidas keegi teeb endale "vaimse märke", hakkab tõsiselt häirima. To make a mental note - to make a special effort to remember something; to try to remember to do something, to make a particular effort to pay attention to something so that you will remember it later, to make an effort to remember something you don't write down on paper - sellised seletused võib leida internetist. Eesti keelde panduna võiks see olla kasvõi "ta püüdis endale meelde jätta" või muud sarnast - kõlab küll tavalisemalt, aga igatahes rohkem eesti keele moodi...
Tore lugu enese leidmisest, keerulistest aegadest ning vaprusest, sõprusest ning uutest algustest. Aga need mõned agad siiski jäävad, mis segavad. Kasvõi see, et peategelane, kes kohtab oma Pariisi-reisil võluvat prantslast Etienne'i, on aasta hiljem ikka veel alles armumas temasse, kuigi nad on juba aasta jagu koos olnud?... Ei kõla väga usutavalt.
Sõprade Beatrice'i ning Queenie juurest jõuame sajand hilisemasse aega, kus ükskikuna elav Annie peab aru andma oma ülihoolitsevale tütrele Phoebe'ile... Oi-oi, see lõik ajas mind kohe päris pahaseks kuivõrd Annie on minust vaid aasta vanem ning tema tütar kohtleb teda kui nõrka ja abitut pensionäri... Naine on redelit mööda pööningule minnes sattunud väikesesse õnnetusse ning seetõttu on tema jalas mõra - tütar näeb selles ideaalset võimalust seada küsimuse alla Annie paljuoodatud reis Pariisi. Kuid samas, elu näitab, et midagi must-valget pole olemas ning pole kuigi lihtne inimeste käitumise tagamaid lõpuni läbi näha.
Annie on elanud keerulist elu - pärast ootamatut lahkuminekut oma abikaasast Markist on ta kasvatanud suureks kaks last ning üksijäämise tõttu pidanud loobuma loomingulise sisekujundaja ametist, valides selle asemel praktilisema ja tulutoovama raamatupidaja oma. Annie hea sõbranna Beth on just läinud aastaks tööle Austraaliasse ning naine tunneb tema järele suurt igatsust. Pariisi läheb Annie oma hea sõbra ja naabri Joanie palvel, kes üllatuslikult saab temale tundmatult naiselt päranduseks uhke korteri Pariisi väljapaistvast linnaosas ning murrab pead selle üle, kuidas ta võiks olla lahke võõraga seotud.
Mõne sõnapaariga on nii, et kui seda loed ühe või kaks korda, tundub veel mõistlik - aga kui juba lühikese aja jooksul loed 4-5 korda (ja seejärel veel kümmenkond korda), kuidas keegi teeb endale "vaimse märke", hakkab tõsiselt häirima. To make a mental note - to make a special effort to remember something; to try to remember to do something, to make a particular effort to pay attention to something so that you will remember it later, to make an effort to remember something you don't write down on paper - sellised seletused võib leida internetist. Eesti keelde panduna võiks see olla kasvõi "ta püüdis endale meelde jätta" või muud sarnast - kõlab küll tavalisemalt, aga igatahes rohkem eesti keele moodi...
Tore lugu enese leidmisest, keerulistest aegadest ning vaprusest, sõprusest ning uutest algustest. Aga need mõned agad siiski jäävad, mis segavad. Kasvõi see, et peategelane, kes kohtab oma Pariisi-reisil võluvat prantslast Etienne'i, on aasta hiljem ikka veel alles armumas temasse, kuigi nad on juba aasta jagu koos olnud?... Ei kõla väga usutavalt.
April 15, 2021
Annie Lovell is keen to put the spark back into her life and when her elderly neighbour inherits an abandoned Parisian apartment she goes to Paris to discover more. Her curiosity takes an unexpected turn on discovering a bundle of secret diaries hidden within the walls, detailing the life of a young English woman, Beatrice Crawford, who volunteered in 1916 to nurse the soldiers in the fields of France.
Captivated by the romantic City of Light, Annie realises first appearances are not always as they seem. Following Beatrice’s journey from the Great War, through the Roaring Twenties and to a very different life in Nazi-occupied Paris, Annie must piece together the events from the past, if she is to fulfil the legacy that Beatrice left for her to find…
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an early review copy of this book in return for an honest review. I'll admit to having loved everything else that Alex has written so was eagerly waiting for this to be released.
The subject of war is one that I don't actively look for when choosing books for reading so this worried me slightly when I read the synopsis, however I needn't have worried - it was written so sensitively, you felt like you were there with Beatrice. I loved Annie and her trip Y0u felt yourself getting to know and it was almost like she was learning to know herself at the same time.
I enjoyed this book a lot, it was a well written story. I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
Captivated by the romantic City of Light, Annie realises first appearances are not always as they seem. Following Beatrice’s journey from the Great War, through the Roaring Twenties and to a very different life in Nazi-occupied Paris, Annie must piece together the events from the past, if she is to fulfil the legacy that Beatrice left for her to find…
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an early review copy of this book in return for an honest review. I'll admit to having loved everything else that Alex has written so was eagerly waiting for this to be released.
The subject of war is one that I don't actively look for when choosing books for reading so this worried me slightly when I read the synopsis, however I needn't have worried - it was written so sensitively, you felt like you were there with Beatrice. I loved Annie and her trip Y0u felt yourself getting to know and it was almost like she was learning to know herself at the same time.
I enjoyed this book a lot, it was a well written story. I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
July 25, 2022
Já tyto příběhy prostě miluji.
Jak už jsem tu psala několikrát, Paříž je prostě moje láska a vše z beletrie, kde se objeví, musím číst
Pohlednice z Paříže už samotnou Paříž obsahuje v názvu, tak to byla jen otázka času, kdy se tahle kniha s přenádhernou obálkou ke mně dostane. A myslím, že se dostala v tu nejlepší dobu. U čtení tohoto příběhu jsem si nesmírně odpočinula, to bylo tak krásné pohlazení po duši.
Hlavní hrdinka je dospělá ženská, ostřílená životem, která dokázala vychovat sama dvě děti, a život se s ní vůbec nemazlil. Annie tvrdě pracovala, aby dětem dopřála krásné dětství a měli vše, co potřebovali. Občas ji vypomáhala kamarádka Joanie, ze které se stala postupem času, životní přítelkyně, která v tomto románu hraje jednu z hlavních rolí. Zdědí byt s obchůdkem v Paříži, ale její zdravotní stav a stáří už ji nedovoluje, aby se do Paříže rozjela a své dědictví si prohlédla, tak tam vyšle právě Annie.
Annie neváhá ani minutu a své nejdražší přítelkyni ráda pomůže a zkusí zjistit, kdo a proč ji byt odkázal. Joanie je totiž sirotek, který vyrůstal v dětském domově, tak vůbec netuší, kdo by se za tímto odkazem mohl skrývat. Annie se rozjede do Paříže a dobrodružství okořeněné láskou, novým přátelstvím a velkým tajemstvím může začít.
Doporučuji všem ženám, které mají rády tento typ příběhů. Budete nadšené.
Jak už jsem tu psala několikrát, Paříž je prostě moje láska a vše z beletrie, kde se objeví, musím číst
Pohlednice z Paříže už samotnou Paříž obsahuje v názvu, tak to byla jen otázka času, kdy se tahle kniha s přenádhernou obálkou ke mně dostane. A myslím, že se dostala v tu nejlepší dobu. U čtení tohoto příběhu jsem si nesmírně odpočinula, to bylo tak krásné pohlazení po duši.
Hlavní hrdinka je dospělá ženská, ostřílená životem, která dokázala vychovat sama dvě děti, a život se s ní vůbec nemazlil. Annie tvrdě pracovala, aby dětem dopřála krásné dětství a měli vše, co potřebovali. Občas ji vypomáhala kamarádka Joanie, ze které se stala postupem času, životní přítelkyně, která v tomto románu hraje jednu z hlavních rolí. Zdědí byt s obchůdkem v Paříži, ale její zdravotní stav a stáří už ji nedovoluje, aby se do Paříže rozjela a své dědictví si prohlédla, tak tam vyšle právě Annie.
Annie neváhá ani minutu a své nejdražší přítelkyni ráda pomůže a zkusí zjistit, kdo a proč ji byt odkázal. Joanie je totiž sirotek, který vyrůstal v dětském domově, tak vůbec netuší, kdo by se za tímto odkazem mohl skrývat. Annie se rozjede do Paříže a dobrodružství okořeněné láskou, novým přátelstvím a velkým tajemstvím může začít.
Doporučuji všem ženám, které mají rády tento typ příběhů. Budete nadšené.
April 13, 2021
I am a fan of Alex Brown's books, so I was delighted to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher. This book is set both in the modern day, with Annie, and France from 1917 onwards with Beatrice. There is also a link to Tindledale, the location of many of Alex Brown's books. The book moves smoothly between each character and locations. It is easy to understand who is narrating. I loved discovering Beatrice's story, it was also nice to see Annie's character developing and becoming stronger when she was in Paris. I really did not like Phoebe at all. I found her character to be unrealistic with her achieving such a successful business at her young age. While it is definitely not impossible, it is unusual. Her treatment of her Mother, especially at the beginning of the book was also unrealistic for someone of her age. I felt that her story was unnecessary, and I would have much preferred hearing more about Beatrice. Apart from Phoebe, I really enjoyed reading this book. There were lots of unexpected twists which kept me interested and I wanted to keep reading, to see what happened next.
June 12, 2021
A delicious slice of Paris served up with a helping of historical intrigue and romance. My first read by the author and it didn’t disappoint, I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. Enchanting descriptions of Paris that made me wish I could visit.
I do however wish we could have had more of Trixie’s life and story, I felt myself more drawn to her than Annie at time and would loved to have read more about what she got up to in her special shop. I think I’d love more of a balance between the past and modern day… that may just be the history fan in me!
That being said I did enjoy Annie’s story, her allowing herself to be happy, following her dreams and passions as well as really finding herself, later in life, and taking to Paris so quickly. It didn’t take long for her interest in solving the mystery surrounding her neighbours inheritance to become more a journey of self discovery too.
I liked the romance element to the story, it wasn’t over-done and felt right for the character. In fact I felt the friendships Annie develops with Maggie and Kristen are wonderful and far more important.
A gorgeous read, I savoured every moment. Cosy up, relax and enjoy.
I do however wish we could have had more of Trixie’s life and story, I felt myself more drawn to her than Annie at time and would loved to have read more about what she got up to in her special shop. I think I’d love more of a balance between the past and modern day… that may just be the history fan in me!
That being said I did enjoy Annie’s story, her allowing herself to be happy, following her dreams and passions as well as really finding herself, later in life, and taking to Paris so quickly. It didn’t take long for her interest in solving the mystery surrounding her neighbours inheritance to become more a journey of self discovery too.
I liked the romance element to the story, it wasn’t over-done and felt right for the character. In fact I felt the friendships Annie develops with Maggie and Kristen are wonderful and far more important.
A gorgeous read, I savoured every moment. Cosy up, relax and enjoy.
February 5, 2021
I’ve been a fan of Alex Brown’s books for many years now. I just love her writing, and A Postcard from Paris is no exception.
This is a little different from the very light hearted romances I normally read, and contains a topic (war) that I normally find too upsetting. But Alex Brown writes in such a way that I find it interesting, rather than harrowing.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, especially Annie and the new friends she meets in Paris. I think Annie’s character development is particularly good. Trixie is also a wonderful character, and I loved gradually discovering what she’d been up to in Paris.
Paris makes a wonderful setting - the shop and apartment that Annie is working on was particularly wonderful. There’s a little bit of romance here and there too.
Overall, I loved this story, with its strong theme of friendship, whether historical, or in present times. And although there were many story threads going on, it never felt confusing or too complex.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
This is a little different from the very light hearted romances I normally read, and contains a topic (war) that I normally find too upsetting. But Alex Brown writes in such a way that I find it interesting, rather than harrowing.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, especially Annie and the new friends she meets in Paris. I think Annie’s character development is particularly good. Trixie is also a wonderful character, and I loved gradually discovering what she’d been up to in Paris.
Paris makes a wonderful setting - the shop and apartment that Annie is working on was particularly wonderful. There’s a little bit of romance here and there too.
Overall, I loved this story, with its strong theme of friendship, whether historical, or in present times. And although there were many story threads going on, it never felt confusing or too complex.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
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