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Willowbrook
This Christmas in Paris
What could be more magical than Christmas in Paris?
When Carys is offered the chance to run a little French café, she leaps at the chance to discover an exciting city where she can dream big.
Meanwhile, struggling journalist Mat is living in the City of Love - but he's never found romance himself.
Then, a chance encounter changes everything, and it feels like the start of something wonderful. But Carys and Mat are both keeping secrets . . .
Can they open their hearts to one another - and maybe even find love, just in time for Christmas?
When Carys is offered the chance to run a little French café, she leaps at the chance to discover an exciting city where she can dream big.
Meanwhile, struggling journalist Mat is living in the City of Love - but he's never found romance himself.
Then, a chance encounter changes everything, and it feels like the start of something wonderful. But Carys and Mat are both keeping secrets . . .
Can they open their hearts to one another - and maybe even find love, just in time for Christmas?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2023
173 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 8, 2023
Carys needs a fresh start.
This Christmas in Paris wasn’t quite the book I was expecting. I had anticipated a very light, entertaining story filled with love and romance, but actually found far greater depth that made it a hugely satisfying read.
The catalyst for Sophie’s new life in Paris is actually linked to her need to leave behind the memories of a terrible accident and whilst PTSD isn’t over emphasised, it is an important aspect. Other, equally deep themes also include family dynamics, relationships, work life balance and, particularly through Aurelie, the gap between private lives and public persona, so that This Christmas in Paris gives the reader plenty to ponder even as it entertains them.
I have no idea if it were intentional, but I found the structure of This Christmas in Paris really clever, because the pendulum swing of focus between Carys and Mat felt like the rhythm of a heartbeat. When the alternate chapter structure falters or skips, it is just like an issue with a heart and represents so well the problems they are encountering.
I thought Carys was a well rounded character brought to life with skill by Sophie Claire. Carys’s balance of strength and softness, her realisation that it is actually possible to feel lonely in a bustling city, her initial restlessness and her humanity and vivacity all felt realistic and engaging. By the end of This Christmas in Paris I found myself experiencing her emotions very closely with her and I read with a lump in my throat.
One element that I found especially gratifying in This Christmas in Paris was the depiction of Madame Parot and Madame Jalibert. Even though Madame Parot appears quite needy, always calling on Mat to fulfil some small task, both women illustrate the wisdom of being more mature and a confidence in a life well lived so that they illustrate it isn’t always the 30 somethings in fiction who are the most engaging!
For me, Mat was more complex. He’s likeable and a definite romantic hero and yet there is an aspect to his actions that made me so cross. You’ll need to read This Christmas in Paris to discover that for yourself, but I really appreciated the way Sophie Claire illustrated Mat’s need to emerge from his flamboyant father’s shadow and to prove himself – even if it does make him behave despicably on occasion. The author shows with great sensitivity how life isn’t always clear cut and that sometimes we behave out of character for valid reasons.
I thought This Christmas in Paris was a lovely read. It may be a romantic story set in a romantic city with a real sense of place and an engaging and entertaining plot, but through reading This Christmas in Paris we learn that success takes many forms and most importantly of all Sophie Claire illustrates to perfection that kindness and being mindful of how our actions affect others, is one of life’s most essential lessons. What better Christmas message? This Christmas in Paris is a super story.
Oh – and I loved the special touch of recipes from the story at the end too!
This Christmas in Paris wasn’t quite the book I was expecting. I had anticipated a very light, entertaining story filled with love and romance, but actually found far greater depth that made it a hugely satisfying read.
The catalyst for Sophie’s new life in Paris is actually linked to her need to leave behind the memories of a terrible accident and whilst PTSD isn’t over emphasised, it is an important aspect. Other, equally deep themes also include family dynamics, relationships, work life balance and, particularly through Aurelie, the gap between private lives and public persona, so that This Christmas in Paris gives the reader plenty to ponder even as it entertains them.
I have no idea if it were intentional, but I found the structure of This Christmas in Paris really clever, because the pendulum swing of focus between Carys and Mat felt like the rhythm of a heartbeat. When the alternate chapter structure falters or skips, it is just like an issue with a heart and represents so well the problems they are encountering.
I thought Carys was a well rounded character brought to life with skill by Sophie Claire. Carys’s balance of strength and softness, her realisation that it is actually possible to feel lonely in a bustling city, her initial restlessness and her humanity and vivacity all felt realistic and engaging. By the end of This Christmas in Paris I found myself experiencing her emotions very closely with her and I read with a lump in my throat.
One element that I found especially gratifying in This Christmas in Paris was the depiction of Madame Parot and Madame Jalibert. Even though Madame Parot appears quite needy, always calling on Mat to fulfil some small task, both women illustrate the wisdom of being more mature and a confidence in a life well lived so that they illustrate it isn’t always the 30 somethings in fiction who are the most engaging!
For me, Mat was more complex. He’s likeable and a definite romantic hero and yet there is an aspect to his actions that made me so cross. You’ll need to read This Christmas in Paris to discover that for yourself, but I really appreciated the way Sophie Claire illustrated Mat’s need to emerge from his flamboyant father’s shadow and to prove himself – even if it does make him behave despicably on occasion. The author shows with great sensitivity how life isn’t always clear cut and that sometimes we behave out of character for valid reasons.
I thought This Christmas in Paris was a lovely read. It may be a romantic story set in a romantic city with a real sense of place and an engaging and entertaining plot, but through reading This Christmas in Paris we learn that success takes many forms and most importantly of all Sophie Claire illustrates to perfection that kindness and being mindful of how our actions affect others, is one of life’s most essential lessons. What better Christmas message? This Christmas in Paris is a super story.
Oh – and I loved the special touch of recipes from the story at the end too!
July 26, 2023
I received a free copy of, This Christmas in Paris, by Sophie Claire, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, Carys is starting over after being in a bad car accident that left in a coma for awhile. Carys seems to have ptsd, since her accident and decides to go to Paris, to work at a cafe there. I really liked the book before this one, A Winter's Dream, I really liked Liberty, and was happy to see her in this book too, I did not connect with Carys the way I did Liberty though, its a good book, I prefer, A Winter's Dream though.
December 30, 2023
It was sweet and sappy, which made it a good book for the holiday break. However, one of my pet peeves is when the biggest conflict is because the protagonists just flat out DO NOT talk to each other. I got more and more annoyed toward the end, to the point where I was just glad to see the end of the book.
January 8, 2024
This definitely gave me Emily in Paris vibes and I was totally here for it. I started this book a few days before visiting Paris and read some while I was there. I must say, reading about a book set in the city you're visiting makes the book loads better. It was an easy read and absolutely predictable...just what I needed after a family bereavement right before Christmas. What did my head in about this story was the about of times the two main characters questioned themselves. It was almost every chapter. I did, however, like how each chapter was from the POV of either of the two main characters. Can we please have a story written about Madame Jalibert. I loved her...and Madame Parot!!
December 14, 2024
Príjemná zimná romantická oddychovka!
Asi takto by som charakterizovala Vianoce v Paríži…
Knihy odohrávajúce sa v mojom obľúbenom meste ja milujem! Aj táto mi priblížila mesto z jedného pohľadu 😍
Pre milovníkov Francúzska, kaviarní, chutných koláčikov a romantiky je táto kniha ako stvorená!
Číta sa ľahko a veľmi rýchlo vhupnete do deja!
Príbeh Carrys, ktorá začne viesť kaviareň a Mata, novinára… obaja majú nejaké tajomstvá, klamstvá… no prežije to všetko ich začínajúci sa vzťah? Niektoré zápletky boli celkom predvídateľné, niečo prekvapilo, ale kniha bola nakoniec celkom príjemná.
Trošku som čakala viac Vianoc, viac snehu, viac vianočnej atmosféry… no bez tak, knihu som si celkom užila a pre romantické duše určite odporúčam ❤️🎄
Asi takto by som charakterizovala Vianoce v Paríži…
Knihy odohrávajúce sa v mojom obľúbenom meste ja milujem! Aj táto mi priblížila mesto z jedného pohľadu 😍
Pre milovníkov Francúzska, kaviarní, chutných koláčikov a romantiky je táto kniha ako stvorená!
Číta sa ľahko a veľmi rýchlo vhupnete do deja!
Príbeh Carrys, ktorá začne viesť kaviareň a Mata, novinára… obaja majú nejaké tajomstvá, klamstvá… no prežije to všetko ich začínajúci sa vzťah? Niektoré zápletky boli celkom predvídateľné, niečo prekvapilo, ale kniha bola nakoniec celkom príjemná.
Trošku som čakala viac Vianoc, viac snehu, viac vianočnej atmosféry… no bez tak, knihu som si celkom užila a pre romantické duše určite odporúčam ❤️🎄
December 11, 2023
Predictable and light. Wasn’t the cozy Christmas read I was hoping for - it ranges over the course of a year or so. Still, an easy, almost mindless read
December 31, 2023
A classic Christmassy and cheesy book, gave me emily in Paris vibes which I loved. Very easy to read and the last book of 2023! Woo
December 26, 2025
3.5 🌟 Sweet book. Sometimes finding your “happy” may mean chasing change and romance while discovering your true self.
November 29, 2023
Finding herself displaced in her life, Carys needs a change from the small village where she lives and a change of career from her 10 years as a primary school teacher. When she sees the advert to manage The Red Cat Café in Paris, it seems the universe is giving her a prod to get on with it.
Mat is working in a job that is soul destroying, he’s always failing to impress his father but is tenacious in his hopes. I did like him at first, after all, who wouldn’t like someone who is thoughtful and kind, putting others needs above his own? Ah, but there’s a flip side to that isn’t there!
I loved The Red Cat Café, the staff and community. Carys brings energy and fresh ideas and although the staff push back, she’s determined to make a go of it for the absent owners. The café’s patrons we get to meet are quirky and interesting. And the staff have backstories that brought my emotions into play. So much so that at the end on Christmas Eve I cried. Perfect 🙂
The settings are brilliant. I enjoyed learning a little about how journalism works and loved the window into café management.
Two things that surprised me with this story …
I don’t think I’ve ever had such swings of emotions in relation to a male lead character. I felt so conflicted! I think readers will either love Mat or hate him. Me? He’s multi-layered for sure. His lack of self-belief led him down a dark path where he knew it was wrong but he had a lot to prove. I’m not sure I can forgive him though …
After the story – I found myself missing Paris and all the characters (yes, even Mat!). For quite a while afterwards I found my thoughts going back to the story and wondering how their lives moved forward.
For me, This Christmas in Paris had echoes of Emily in Paris which I love! Although the basic storyline is similar (new life in Paris with work challenges and winning over colleagues, romance etc) , the situations, opportunities and characters (across the spectrum of ages) are unique.
This story is so much more than a romance. If you’re looking for a heart-warming read, this one is for you.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/this-...
Mat is working in a job that is soul destroying, he’s always failing to impress his father but is tenacious in his hopes. I did like him at first, after all, who wouldn’t like someone who is thoughtful and kind, putting others needs above his own? Ah, but there’s a flip side to that isn’t there!
I loved The Red Cat Café, the staff and community. Carys brings energy and fresh ideas and although the staff push back, she’s determined to make a go of it for the absent owners. The café’s patrons we get to meet are quirky and interesting. And the staff have backstories that brought my emotions into play. So much so that at the end on Christmas Eve I cried. Perfect 🙂
The settings are brilliant. I enjoyed learning a little about how journalism works and loved the window into café management.
Two things that surprised me with this story …
I don’t think I’ve ever had such swings of emotions in relation to a male lead character. I felt so conflicted! I think readers will either love Mat or hate him. Me? He’s multi-layered for sure. His lack of self-belief led him down a dark path where he knew it was wrong but he had a lot to prove. I’m not sure I can forgive him though …
After the story – I found myself missing Paris and all the characters (yes, even Mat!). For quite a while afterwards I found my thoughts going back to the story and wondering how their lives moved forward.
For me, This Christmas in Paris had echoes of Emily in Paris which I love! Although the basic storyline is similar (new life in Paris with work challenges and winning over colleagues, romance etc) , the situations, opportunities and characters (across the spectrum of ages) are unique.
This story is so much more than a romance. If you’re looking for a heart-warming read, this one is for you.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/this-...
December 27, 2023
Carys needs to move forward with her life, so when the chance to run a French cafe comes up she packs her bags and travels to Paris.
Reading this book made me immediately want to book a trip to Paris and visit The Red Cat Cafe to sample the delicious menu and meet the quirky locals.
Wonderful characters, beautiful setting and a lovely romance, an absolute treat to read.
Reading this book made me immediately want to book a trip to Paris and visit The Red Cat Cafe to sample the delicious menu and meet the quirky locals.
Wonderful characters, beautiful setting and a lovely romance, an absolute treat to read.
May 20, 2025
We meet Carys, a school teacher in a little close nit village living with her best friend a year after she is involved in a car accident which left her in a coma.
She wakes up to news her best friend is in a serious relationship and everyone around her seems to have their life in order where she can't help suffering from PTSD following the accident and she isn't really truely that happy.
She decides she needs to make a change, and what better way than to run a cosy cafe in Paris from Sept-Dec.
Mat is a journalist working for a local free newspaper with the boss from hell due to deadlines and literally no budget.
Mat used to want to write songs, but after his highly successful father destroys his confidence as a teenager, he puts a stop to writing music, but he does write anonymous food reviews for local eateries in Paris.
He and Carys meet each other in a park and instantly hit it off and agree just like the film you've got mail they will keep work and personal life separate, of course Mat is recommended the cafe Carys is running and he ends up trying a sandwich from a college and absolutely loving it and needs to see this cafe for himself.
After a national newspaper wants Mat to use his hidden identity to cover the usual food critic, he used the cafe as his review piece and rated it 1 star.
I adore these 2 as the main characters, and the side characters are just as great.
If you want, you've got mail vibes set in Paris at Christmas. This is the cosy book for you.
She wakes up to news her best friend is in a serious relationship and everyone around her seems to have their life in order where she can't help suffering from PTSD following the accident and she isn't really truely that happy.
She decides she needs to make a change, and what better way than to run a cosy cafe in Paris from Sept-Dec.
Mat is a journalist working for a local free newspaper with the boss from hell due to deadlines and literally no budget.
Mat used to want to write songs, but after his highly successful father destroys his confidence as a teenager, he puts a stop to writing music, but he does write anonymous food reviews for local eateries in Paris.
He and Carys meet each other in a park and instantly hit it off and agree just like the film you've got mail they will keep work and personal life separate, of course Mat is recommended the cafe Carys is running and he ends up trying a sandwich from a college and absolutely loving it and needs to see this cafe for himself.
After a national newspaper wants Mat to use his hidden identity to cover the usual food critic, he used the cafe as his review piece and rated it 1 star.
I adore these 2 as the main characters, and the side characters are just as great.
If you want, you've got mail vibes set in Paris at Christmas. This is the cosy book for you.
September 26, 2025
Liberty lives a very ordered life, which is thrown into chaos by the arrival of a lodger, Alex who is an impulsive French motorbike racer whose career has been cut short by a serious crash. Can each teach the other something of the benefits of their style of living?
With series such as this you can catch up with characters from previous books whilst being introduced to new ones to keep it fresh. I probably have more in common with Liberty than Alex, but can see that she needs to get out of her rut. Seeing how they both gradually come to appreciate the other's approach to life. The descriptions of the countryside both here and in Provence made me wish I could visit. With a couple of story threads promising more in this series I am really looking forward to reading those as well. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
With series such as this you can catch up with characters from previous books whilst being introduced to new ones to keep it fresh. I probably have more in common with Liberty than Alex, but can see that she needs to get out of her rut. Seeing how they both gradually come to appreciate the other's approach to life. The descriptions of the countryside both here and in Provence made me wish I could visit. With a couple of story threads promising more in this series I am really looking forward to reading those as well. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
September 24, 2023
Carys wants to change her life. When offered the chance to run a small cafe in Paris and Mat is struggling as a journalist, he gets bullied by his boss too. A chance meeting feels like a new start for both of them, but will their secrets keep them apart?
The book isn't set at Christmas so that confused me a lot and I’m not sure Cary’s was likeable the whole time (what was with her redecorating the cafe without any agreement from the owners?!).
It was a nice read.
The book isn't set at Christmas so that confused me a lot and I’m not sure Cary’s was likeable the whole time (what was with her redecorating the cafe without any agreement from the owners?!).
It was a nice read.
September 19, 2023
I thoroughly loved this delightful Christmas read , the characters are so lovely and warm, the story was engaging and draws you in thoroughly , just a beautiful story that makes me want to books flight for December
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2024
Totally bored, did not finish.
March 9, 2024
i can't even rememeber wtf happened.
January 17, 2025
This book was very sweet with more to the story than just the romance. I loved the characters and the emphasis on community and sharing their pasts and secrets that burdened them.
December 13, 2023
In an attempt to move on from her past – an accident has left its scars, but its impact was more than physical – Carys decides a fresh start is needed, away from concerned and sympathetic friends, overplaying the extent of her previous experience to take over the management of a quirky Parisian cafe in the run up to Christmas. Feeling a little out of her depth dealing with staff issues and introducing fresh ideas to bring the customers through the door, she finds loneliness an issue too – until a chance meeting with Mat, and their regular Sunday meetings and outings become something of a lifeline. He’s an unappreciated journalist working for a free newspaper, but with hopes of securing a post with a national which would go some way towards him living up to his successful father’s high expectations – and he has a plan for how to make that happen.
Work takes a back seat when they’re together and their friendship begins to turn into a romance – and he provides both a refuge and support when Carys closes the cafe for Christmas, her efforts having failed to turn around its fortunes. But this isn’t a romance where things go smoothly. She trusts him with her deepest secrets as they fall in love – but he has a secret that’s even more deeply hidden, and the consequences when it’s finally uncovered are devastating for them both.
I must say that the characterisation in this book is quite superb. Carys is immensely likeable and sympathetic, and it’s lovely to share her excitement about her new venture and her little victories – and it really hurts to see her dreams falling apart along with her disappointment that her trust might have been misplaced. But Mat is also very much the romantic lead I wanted him to be, a all-round really lovely guy – equally trying to follow his dreams, until some of his actions begin to inspire feelings of a rather different kind. It’s very clever writing, digging into the reasons why people sometimes do the things they do, especially when there are good (or, at least, justifiable) reasons – and we see the situation from both sides, which makes our sympathy and understanding wax and wane. And the author’s emotional touch is quite perfect – there were a few times she had me very close to tears, although there was also plenty of content that made me smile.
But there’s so much more about this book than that central relationship and the way things go so badly wrong. There’s a really strong supporting cast, many of the characters having stories of their own. Some are older, and particularly well drawn – Madame Jalibert is flamboyant and quite wonderful, and I really enjoyed Mat’s friendship with and care for his elderly neighbour Madame Parot. I also found young waitress Aurelie’s story strong and well told – sometimes appearances just don’t give the full picture. And the whole setting is just fantastic – the cafe itself but also street level Paris perfectly drawn in every detail, and with every bit of added Christmas glitz and sparkle you could possibly ask for.
This was a book I very much enjoyed – with a very real and convincing romance, unexpected twists and turns, much more depth and nuance than I expected, and a strong story that had me hooked from the first page to its wholly satisfying ending. Very much recommended – I loved it.
Work takes a back seat when they’re together and their friendship begins to turn into a romance – and he provides both a refuge and support when Carys closes the cafe for Christmas, her efforts having failed to turn around its fortunes. But this isn’t a romance where things go smoothly. She trusts him with her deepest secrets as they fall in love – but he has a secret that’s even more deeply hidden, and the consequences when it’s finally uncovered are devastating for them both.
I must say that the characterisation in this book is quite superb. Carys is immensely likeable and sympathetic, and it’s lovely to share her excitement about her new venture and her little victories – and it really hurts to see her dreams falling apart along with her disappointment that her trust might have been misplaced. But Mat is also very much the romantic lead I wanted him to be, a all-round really lovely guy – equally trying to follow his dreams, until some of his actions begin to inspire feelings of a rather different kind. It’s very clever writing, digging into the reasons why people sometimes do the things they do, especially when there are good (or, at least, justifiable) reasons – and we see the situation from both sides, which makes our sympathy and understanding wax and wane. And the author’s emotional touch is quite perfect – there were a few times she had me very close to tears, although there was also plenty of content that made me smile.
But there’s so much more about this book than that central relationship and the way things go so badly wrong. There’s a really strong supporting cast, many of the characters having stories of their own. Some are older, and particularly well drawn – Madame Jalibert is flamboyant and quite wonderful, and I really enjoyed Mat’s friendship with and care for his elderly neighbour Madame Parot. I also found young waitress Aurelie’s story strong and well told – sometimes appearances just don’t give the full picture. And the whole setting is just fantastic – the cafe itself but also street level Paris perfectly drawn in every detail, and with every bit of added Christmas glitz and sparkle you could possibly ask for.
This was a book I very much enjoyed – with a very real and convincing romance, unexpected twists and turns, much more depth and nuance than I expected, and a strong story that had me hooked from the first page to its wholly satisfying ending. Very much recommended – I loved it.
December 18, 2023
This was a very cute Christmas read!
The story opens with Carys, a teacher of primary school students living in England. She shares a house with her best friend Liberty, but after having an accident, after spending 6 months in hospital she finds out that Liberty has met a new boyfriend and they are moving in together. The plan is for them all to share the house but Carys starts to feel like she doesn't fit in and wants to move out...
She ends up hearing about and applying for a job in Paris, running a cafe while the owners go out of the country for 3 months, in the run up to Christmas. Having never run a cafe before, she does inflate the truth slightly in order to better her chances and after initially not getting the job, she then gets a last minute phone call from the owners, offering her the job! Carys says goodbye to friends and family and heads for a few months in Paris.
The job involves running The Red Cat Cafe. She takes a little while to get to know the staff and struggles with attitudes of some and the role itself but soon begins to know the regulars and the cafe is much busier than she thought so she is very busy all the time. She is living in an apartment block and decides she wants to make friends if she is going to begin this new life.
Carys ends up meeting Mat in a local park. He works for a newspaper and she is immediately drawn to him but he gets a phone call and has to leave, without sharing any details. She returns to the park and the same time the following week hoping to find him and she does! Mat reveals he cares for his elderly neighbour and that was the reason he had to rush off the last time.
The story then is of the pair growing closer and spending more time together. Mat has a sideline job of reviewing restaurants under a false name, Madame Incognito. He hasn't told Carys about this side of him, just as she has never shared where she works, he just believes she works in a shop. Soon, these reviews come to put distance between the pair, as Mat's increase in workload increases and there's a bad review or three for the cafe, which causes Carys to close it at Christmas so as not to lose the owners any more money. With the negative reviews, the business has been down and custom has waned.
Secrets have to be revealed from both of them, and once they do this brings a bit of a rollercoaster for the pair. It was a romance story which little twists which I particularly thought was very good. A heartwarming festive treat!
The story opens with Carys, a teacher of primary school students living in England. She shares a house with her best friend Liberty, but after having an accident, after spending 6 months in hospital she finds out that Liberty has met a new boyfriend and they are moving in together. The plan is for them all to share the house but Carys starts to feel like she doesn't fit in and wants to move out...
She ends up hearing about and applying for a job in Paris, running a cafe while the owners go out of the country for 3 months, in the run up to Christmas. Having never run a cafe before, she does inflate the truth slightly in order to better her chances and after initially not getting the job, she then gets a last minute phone call from the owners, offering her the job! Carys says goodbye to friends and family and heads for a few months in Paris.
The job involves running The Red Cat Cafe. She takes a little while to get to know the staff and struggles with attitudes of some and the role itself but soon begins to know the regulars and the cafe is much busier than she thought so she is very busy all the time. She is living in an apartment block and decides she wants to make friends if she is going to begin this new life.
Carys ends up meeting Mat in a local park. He works for a newspaper and she is immediately drawn to him but he gets a phone call and has to leave, without sharing any details. She returns to the park and the same time the following week hoping to find him and she does! Mat reveals he cares for his elderly neighbour and that was the reason he had to rush off the last time.
The story then is of the pair growing closer and spending more time together. Mat has a sideline job of reviewing restaurants under a false name, Madame Incognito. He hasn't told Carys about this side of him, just as she has never shared where she works, he just believes she works in a shop. Soon, these reviews come to put distance between the pair, as Mat's increase in workload increases and there's a bad review or three for the cafe, which causes Carys to close it at Christmas so as not to lose the owners any more money. With the negative reviews, the business has been down and custom has waned.
Secrets have to be revealed from both of them, and once they do this brings a bit of a rollercoaster for the pair. It was a romance story which little twists which I particularly thought was very good. A heartwarming festive treat!
January 10, 2025
Sophie Clairová nás vo svojej knihe prenesie do romantického Paríža, kde hlavná postava Carrys dostane príležitosť prevádzkovať kaviareň. Táto šanca na nový začiatok prichádza po náročných udalostiach z jej minulosti a rozhodne sa ju využiť. Začiatky však nie sú jednoduché. Nové prostredie a kolegovia, ktorých si musí získať, predstavujú výzvu.
Druhou hlavnou postavou je Mat, novinár žijúci v Paríži, ktorého práca čoraz viac frustruje. Túži po zmene a posune na inú úroveň. Dvaja mladí ľudia, ktorí chcú zmeniť svoj život, sa náhodne stretnú. Ako toto stretnutie ovplyvní ich osudy?
Kniha vo mne vyvolala nostalgiu na Paríž a jeho čaro. Prostredie je popísané veľmi hodnoverne, čo mi pripomenulo čas, keď som pred 16 rokmi strávil pol roka vo Francúzsku na univerzite. Celý príbeh je milý a dojímavý, s hlavnými postavami Carry a Matom, ktoré sú veľmi sympatické.
Dej knihy je aj o odvahe ísť za svojimi snami, nasledovať svoje srdce a robiť to, čo nás baví, bez ohľadu na názor iných. Vytrvalosť ruže prináša a nielen Carrys a Mat, ale aj vedľajšie postavy prekonávajú svoje limity.
„Nesmíš dovolit, aby ti něčí názor zničil sny a naděje. Měl bys miřit vzhůru!“
„Máme jen jeden život... Dlužíme sami sobě, abychom ho prožili co nejlépe.“
Kniha prináša aj zaujímavú zápletku, ktorá ukazuje, kam sme schopní zájsť pre dosiahnutie svojich cieľov, a aké následky môžu mať naše činy na druhých. Vidina úspechu niekedy spôsobí, že prehliadneme, akú škodu môžeme napáchať. Tento aspekt príbehu poukazuje na dôležitosť odpúšťania a na to, akí vedia byť ľudia krutí, najmä na sociálnych sieťach.
Aj keď Vianoce zohrávajú v príbehu dôležitú úlohu, názov knihy nezodpovedá celému obsahu, keďže sa k najkrajším sviatkom roka dostaneme len okrajovo. Ak ale hľadáte príjemný oddychový príbeh, táto kniha vás nesklame. Vo mne osobne vyvolala silné emócie a mám chuť ísť do Paríža, sadnúť si do Jardin du Luxembourg a počkať na svoju princeznú. (Dosť romantiky.:D)
Máte radi Paríž? A prekonávate svoje limity?
Za knižku ďakujem: Fortuna Libri (ČR).
Druhou hlavnou postavou je Mat, novinár žijúci v Paríži, ktorého práca čoraz viac frustruje. Túži po zmene a posune na inú úroveň. Dvaja mladí ľudia, ktorí chcú zmeniť svoj život, sa náhodne stretnú. Ako toto stretnutie ovplyvní ich osudy?
Kniha vo mne vyvolala nostalgiu na Paríž a jeho čaro. Prostredie je popísané veľmi hodnoverne, čo mi pripomenulo čas, keď som pred 16 rokmi strávil pol roka vo Francúzsku na univerzite. Celý príbeh je milý a dojímavý, s hlavnými postavami Carry a Matom, ktoré sú veľmi sympatické.
Dej knihy je aj o odvahe ísť za svojimi snami, nasledovať svoje srdce a robiť to, čo nás baví, bez ohľadu na názor iných. Vytrvalosť ruže prináša a nielen Carrys a Mat, ale aj vedľajšie postavy prekonávajú svoje limity.
„Nesmíš dovolit, aby ti něčí názor zničil sny a naděje. Měl bys miřit vzhůru!“
„Máme jen jeden život... Dlužíme sami sobě, abychom ho prožili co nejlépe.“
Kniha prináša aj zaujímavú zápletku, ktorá ukazuje, kam sme schopní zájsť pre dosiahnutie svojich cieľov, a aké následky môžu mať naše činy na druhých. Vidina úspechu niekedy spôsobí, že prehliadneme, akú škodu môžeme napáchať. Tento aspekt príbehu poukazuje na dôležitosť odpúšťania a na to, akí vedia byť ľudia krutí, najmä na sociálnych sieťach.
Aj keď Vianoce zohrávajú v príbehu dôležitú úlohu, názov knihy nezodpovedá celému obsahu, keďže sa k najkrajším sviatkom roka dostaneme len okrajovo. Ak ale hľadáte príjemný oddychový príbeh, táto kniha vás nesklame. Vo mne osobne vyvolala silné emócie a mám chuť ísť do Paríža, sadnúť si do Jardin du Luxembourg a počkať na svoju princeznú. (Dosť romantiky.:D)
Máte radi Paríž? A prekonávate svoje limity?
Za knižku ďakujem: Fortuna Libri (ČR).
January 8, 2024
It was hard to read knowing that Mat was Incognito and that he had written such scathing reviews. One of them - he didn't even dined in, so it wasn't even a genuine review. I guess I was just overprotective of Carys and all the effort she had injected to make the cafe successful. My stomach was in knots knowing that both weren't completely honest and upfront with each other, so I couldn't really enjoy the parts where they celebrated Christmas together. Maybe it is personal, but not telling the whole truth or hiding parts of yourself feels bugged me a lot and it sort of affected my reading experience.
However, I love Carys's character a lot, especially since she was featured in A Winter's Dream. I love how spontaneous and cheery she is, and how she motivated Emile to go crazy with the menu. The cakes... I can imagine how pretty they look and wish I can be instantly be transported to the Red Cat Cafe. I also like it that Mat isn't the typical male lead you usually read about in romance novels. He's soft-hearted, self-effacing and struggles with a day job. I found it refreshing. The ending was wonderful and I closed the book teary-eyed.
This book is a nice reminder that while we may have a negative experience at a dining establishment, it doesn't mean things will always stay bad. Service can be improved and things can take a turn for the better. It's great to leave reviews to warn others or to express yourself, but perhaps they need not be vindictive. On the other hand, one-star reviews are harsh but if they have a grain of truth, it is up to us how we want to take the feedback. And of course... teamwork goes a long way...
As always, Sophie Claire is a great writer. Thank you for a wonderful read.
52 Book Club 2023: #52 - Published in 2023
52 Book Club 2024: #31 - Includes a personal phobia
However, I love Carys's character a lot, especially since she was featured in A Winter's Dream. I love how spontaneous and cheery she is, and how she motivated Emile to go crazy with the menu. The cakes... I can imagine how pretty they look and wish I can be instantly be transported to the Red Cat Cafe. I also like it that Mat isn't the typical male lead you usually read about in romance novels. He's soft-hearted, self-effacing and struggles with a day job. I found it refreshing. The ending was wonderful and I closed the book teary-eyed.
This book is a nice reminder that while we may have a negative experience at a dining establishment, it doesn't mean things will always stay bad. Service can be improved and things can take a turn for the better. It's great to leave reviews to warn others or to express yourself, but perhaps they need not be vindictive. On the other hand, one-star reviews are harsh but if they have a grain of truth, it is up to us how we want to take the feedback. And of course... teamwork goes a long way...
As always, Sophie Claire is a great writer. Thank you for a wonderful read.
52 Book Club 2023: #52 - Published in 2023
52 Book Club 2024: #31 - Includes a personal phobia
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2024
I always look forward to a Christmas romance from Sophie Claire and in This Christmas in Paris, we follow Carys, who made a brief appearance in A Winter’s Dream.
Carys is escaping. Much as she loves the village of Willowbrook, following a serious car accident, she feels the only way to escape people treating her differently is to make a new start in a new place. The opportunity to run a quirky caf�� in Paris is too good not to jump at with enthusiasm, even if she has more of that than experience. As she faces the challenges of staffing issues, customer numbers and rolling out her fresh ideas at the café, what she hadn’t expected to feel in the city, was loneliness. A chance meeting in a park, that leads to a friendship with Mat, is the perfect antidote to the stresses of work.
Journalist Mat is not happy. His job is thankless and getting him nowhere, but he too has a plan B, a secret persona whose reputation around Paris is growing rapidly and could be the start of a bright new future – a future he would love to share with Carys.
Mat and Carys decide to keep their work lives out of their weekly Sunday meetings, which was both cautious and romantic, until it had huge consequences. As a fan of the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan film “You’ve Got Mail” I was thoroughly entertained by the similarities and references made to it during this book. The ups and downs in both their work and social life kept me turning the pages as I tried to guess how things would pan out for them both and if they could ever find a happy ever after.
Written with a lot of humour and some heart-tugging emotions, it was great to be back in a Sophie Claire book, set in Paris, with a festive feel. Pour yourself a hot chocolate and enjoy this book, served with the French patisserie of your choice.
Carys is escaping. Much as she loves the village of Willowbrook, following a serious car accident, she feels the only way to escape people treating her differently is to make a new start in a new place. The opportunity to run a quirky caf�� in Paris is too good not to jump at with enthusiasm, even if she has more of that than experience. As she faces the challenges of staffing issues, customer numbers and rolling out her fresh ideas at the café, what she hadn’t expected to feel in the city, was loneliness. A chance meeting in a park, that leads to a friendship with Mat, is the perfect antidote to the stresses of work.
Journalist Mat is not happy. His job is thankless and getting him nowhere, but he too has a plan B, a secret persona whose reputation around Paris is growing rapidly and could be the start of a bright new future – a future he would love to share with Carys.
Mat and Carys decide to keep their work lives out of their weekly Sunday meetings, which was both cautious and romantic, until it had huge consequences. As a fan of the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan film “You’ve Got Mail” I was thoroughly entertained by the similarities and references made to it during this book. The ups and downs in both their work and social life kept me turning the pages as I tried to guess how things would pan out for them both and if they could ever find a happy ever after.
Written with a lot of humour and some heart-tugging emotions, it was great to be back in a Sophie Claire book, set in Paris, with a festive feel. Pour yourself a hot chocolate and enjoy this book, served with the French patisserie of your choice.
January 9, 2025
This book is a cozy, festive read, perfect for the winter holidays. The Parisian setting, charming café scenes, and holiday spirit make it an ideal book to curl up with during a chilly December evening. But while the novel excels in ambiance, its characters and relationship dynamics were a bit frustrating at times.
The protagonist, Carys, didn’t win me over right away. She was tasked with looking after a Paris café but immediately wanted to make sweeping changes. Sure, she had good intentions, but it came across as overbearing. It felt like she was imposing her own vision without respecting the place’s existing charm. I get that it worked out in the end, but her eagerness to change everything made it hard to root for her at first.
Then there’s the romance between Carys and Mat — and what a frustrating romance it was! Their “no work talk” rule made zero sense given how central their jobs were to their lives. Of course, it led to the inevitable mix-up when Carys discovered Mat had been writing scathing café reviews under the alias “Madame Incognito.” But the whole conflict felt blown out of proportion. He didn’t even know he was reviewing her café! Meanwhile, Carys was just as secretive about her work, so her anger seemed hypocritical. Honestly, they made such a massive deal about it that if Mat had cheated on her, I doubt it would have caused half the drama.
What really made me chuckle, though, is how the novel seems to subtly criticize people who write reviews — yet here I am, writing a review for this book! The irony isn’t lost on me. It’s as if the book is wagging its finger at me while I type this out, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
The protagonist, Carys, didn’t win me over right away. She was tasked with looking after a Paris café but immediately wanted to make sweeping changes. Sure, she had good intentions, but it came across as overbearing. It felt like she was imposing her own vision without respecting the place’s existing charm. I get that it worked out in the end, but her eagerness to change everything made it hard to root for her at first.
Then there’s the romance between Carys and Mat — and what a frustrating romance it was! Their “no work talk” rule made zero sense given how central their jobs were to their lives. Of course, it led to the inevitable mix-up when Carys discovered Mat had been writing scathing café reviews under the alias “Madame Incognito.” But the whole conflict felt blown out of proportion. He didn’t even know he was reviewing her café! Meanwhile, Carys was just as secretive about her work, so her anger seemed hypocritical. Honestly, they made such a massive deal about it that if Mat had cheated on her, I doubt it would have caused half the drama.
What really made me chuckle, though, is how the novel seems to subtly criticize people who write reviews — yet here I am, writing a review for this book! The irony isn’t lost on me. It’s as if the book is wagging its finger at me while I type this out, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
November 27, 2023
We meet Carys, a school teacher in a little close nit village living with her best friend a year after she is involved in a car accident which left her in a coma.
She wakes up to news her best friend is in a serious relationship and everyone around her seems to have their life in order where she can't help suffering from PTSD following the accident and she isn't really truely that happy.
She decides she needs to make a change, and what better way than to run a cosy cafe in Paris from Sept-Dec.
Mat is a journalist working for a local free newspaper with the boss from hell due to deadlines and literally no budget.
Mat used to want to write songs, but after his highly successful father destroys his confidence as a teenager, he puts a stop to writing music, but he does write anonymous food reviews for local eateries in Paris.
He and Carys meet each other in a park and instantly hit it off and agree just like the film you've got mail they will keep work and personal life separate, of course Mat is recommended the cafe Carys is running and he ends up trying a sandwich from a college and absolutely loving it and needs to see this cafe for himself.
After a national newspaper wants Mat to use his hidden identity to cover the usual food critic, he used the cafe as his review piece and rated it 1 star.
I adore these 2 as the main characters, and the side characters are just as great.
If you want, you've got mail vibes set in Paris at Christmas. This is the cosy book for you.
She wakes up to news her best friend is in a serious relationship and everyone around her seems to have their life in order where she can't help suffering from PTSD following the accident and she isn't really truely that happy.
She decides she needs to make a change, and what better way than to run a cosy cafe in Paris from Sept-Dec.
Mat is a journalist working for a local free newspaper with the boss from hell due to deadlines and literally no budget.
Mat used to want to write songs, but after his highly successful father destroys his confidence as a teenager, he puts a stop to writing music, but he does write anonymous food reviews for local eateries in Paris.
He and Carys meet each other in a park and instantly hit it off and agree just like the film you've got mail they will keep work and personal life separate, of course Mat is recommended the cafe Carys is running and he ends up trying a sandwich from a college and absolutely loving it and needs to see this cafe for himself.
After a national newspaper wants Mat to use his hidden identity to cover the usual food critic, he used the cafe as his review piece and rated it 1 star.
I adore these 2 as the main characters, and the side characters are just as great.
If you want, you've got mail vibes set in Paris at Christmas. This is the cosy book for you.
December 30, 2023
After waking from a coma after a serious car accident, Carys feels restless and displaced in her life. When she sees a job opportunity to manage a cafe in Paris for three months, Carys quits her job as a primary teacher and jumps at the opportunity for a new challenge and a change of scenery. A chance encounter in the park brings Carys into contact with struggling journalist Mat who is also assessing his life options. There’s no denying their attraction, but Carys and Mat are both hiding secrets that may tear their chances at love apart …
This Christmas in Paris is a heartwarming and beautifully observed novel that whisked me off to Paris on the most romantic journey!
The writing is fabulous and brought the magic of Paris and its people, scenery, and mouth watering food to life. I loved the insight into French cafe culture and enjoyed the backstories and dramas of the staff and quirky customers. And the delicious cake descriptions left me longing for a city break to Paris!
Carys and Mat are relatable, multi layered characters who both have their own struggles and secrets. I enjoyed watching the story unfold from their points of view and their slow burn romance was lovely, if fraught with some hurdles.
There’s so much more depth to this book than the usual festive love story. Beneath the romance and drama, there’s a good underlying message about kindness, honesty and the impact of negativity.
Cancel your plans, grab a cafe au lait and a slice of cake as This Christmas in Paris is the perfect book to curl up with this festive season.
This Christmas in Paris is a heartwarming and beautifully observed novel that whisked me off to Paris on the most romantic journey!
The writing is fabulous and brought the magic of Paris and its people, scenery, and mouth watering food to life. I loved the insight into French cafe culture and enjoyed the backstories and dramas of the staff and quirky customers. And the delicious cake descriptions left me longing for a city break to Paris!
Carys and Mat are relatable, multi layered characters who both have their own struggles and secrets. I enjoyed watching the story unfold from their points of view and their slow burn romance was lovely, if fraught with some hurdles.
There’s so much more depth to this book than the usual festive love story. Beneath the romance and drama, there’s a good underlying message about kindness, honesty and the impact of negativity.
Cancel your plans, grab a cafe au lait and a slice of cake as This Christmas in Paris is the perfect book to curl up with this festive season.
December 20, 2024
I liked Carys and Mat. I liked their romance, even if the whole not-really-talking-about-the-big-stuff gets really tiring sometimes. The problem I had was that I am usually not good at suspending disbelief - and this book's premise just drove me crazy. English Carys has been in a horrible accident that left her in a coma for six months. Her friends and family are treating her like she's made of glass, and she needs to get away. She looks for opportunities away from her primary school teaching position - so far so good. In Paris, a couple who run a cafe need someone to take over for them because of a family emergency in Australia. In an online interview, Carys lies, turning her brief experience working in a pub into a management job. She gets the job and arrives in Paris, where the cafe owners suddenly need to leave IMMEDIATELY - like in the next 5 minutes - and there is no time to show her anything. Ummmmm. So there's no discussion of how to keep the financial records. No discussion of anything. Just "Here are the keys. Au revoir y bonne chance!" Not only does Carys take on the cafe, she decides to CHANGE IT!! Change the menu and redecorate. Despite the fact the owners are supposed to be coming back in three months. Sorry- I cannot suspend my disbelief that far. The romance with Mat is much better. And frankly, the writing is not bad at all. But the whole thing just didn't work for me.
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August 22, 2023Another smashing novel by the smart Sophie Clair
The immediate introduction of the emotionally charged and for some, triggering topic of PTSD flashbacks and traumatic brain injuries was not what I would normally be look it for in a Christmas holiday romance. However, I found myself intrigued and curious to find out more about the main character, Carys, and how she would overcome this experience. A total change of scenery and a new career path seemed a good place for her to start, so that led to a sudden relocation to Paris. From there, the storyline just gets better and better. Will she and Mat, the journalist aspiring to leave his own insecurities behind, be able to forge past the huge mistakes in judgement and honesty with each other to find a lasting future? This book took me to some unexpected places emotionally while including enough comfortable and familiar events that are so common forming a romantic relationship to move my involvement with all the characters along to the conclusion. Loved this book and would highly recommend it
to anyone looking for something that does not blindl follow the usual safe formula for a holiday escape novel. Well done, Sophie! Will pre-order your next book as soon as its available--and strongly suggest that readers do the same. She never disappoints.
The immediate introduction of the emotionally charged and for some, triggering topic of PTSD flashbacks and traumatic brain injuries was not what I would normally be look it for in a Christmas holiday romance. However, I found myself intrigued and curious to find out more about the main character, Carys, and how she would overcome this experience. A total change of scenery and a new career path seemed a good place for her to start, so that led to a sudden relocation to Paris. From there, the storyline just gets better and better. Will she and Mat, the journalist aspiring to leave his own insecurities behind, be able to forge past the huge mistakes in judgement and honesty with each other to find a lasting future? This book took me to some unexpected places emotionally while including enough comfortable and familiar events that are so common forming a romantic relationship to move my involvement with all the characters along to the conclusion. Loved this book and would highly recommend it
to anyone looking for something that does not blindl follow the usual safe formula for a holiday escape novel. Well done, Sophie! Will pre-order your next book as soon as its available--and strongly suggest that readers do the same. She never disappoints.
November 30, 2023
Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for the opportunity to join the blog tour for This Christmas in Paris by Sophie Claire (published on 12th October), and a copy of the gorgeous book to review. I’ve enjoyed reading Sophie’s previous books and you can read my last review here: https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho...
I first met Carys in A Winter’s Dream when she was in a coma after a car accident. This book brings to life what happens next, as she travels to France to help manage a cafe for a few weeks to help the owners travel to a family emergency.
Carys is thrilled to leave sleepy Willowbrook behind but quickly realises that she may have taken on too much too quickly. Is her limited hospitality experience enough to cope with grumpy staff, an extended stay and nasty online reviews?
Can Mat, her new neighbour, help her settle into her new home or is the secret he is keeping about to ruin a lovely new friendship?
Loved this festive story, which left me craving cake and French food. There is a thought provoking message in the book too, about being honest and kind. Happy to recommend this gorgeous story, and I look forward to reading more from Sophie in the future.
I first met Carys in A Winter’s Dream when she was in a coma after a car accident. This book brings to life what happens next, as she travels to France to help manage a cafe for a few weeks to help the owners travel to a family emergency.
Carys is thrilled to leave sleepy Willowbrook behind but quickly realises that she may have taken on too much too quickly. Is her limited hospitality experience enough to cope with grumpy staff, an extended stay and nasty online reviews?
Can Mat, her new neighbour, help her settle into her new home or is the secret he is keeping about to ruin a lovely new friendship?
Loved this festive story, which left me craving cake and French food. There is a thought provoking message in the book too, about being honest and kind. Happy to recommend this gorgeous story, and I look forward to reading more from Sophie in the future.
January 18, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am not going to lie, I love Christmas book what ever time of the year. As soon as I saw the front cover and read the title I thought this would be my kind of book. Our MC Cary needs a fresh start. after being left in a coma after a bad car accident she decides she needs to make some changes. Seeing an advert for a job at a cafe in Paris, Cary decides it is fate intervening and leaves her job as a teacher in the small village where she lives.
It isn't the light romance I expected when reading the synopsis. Cary is definitely having PTSD from the accidents which is deal with in the wiring but done in such a way that it is easy to read about. The book has depth and I love the way the story switched from Cary to Mat it made it flow really well, and we grew with the characters as the relationship developed..
I also totally love the Paris scenes, and I was definitely getting Emily in Paris vibes from the book which made me enjoy it even more. This is the first book I have read by the author but I will certainly look out for Sophie Claires books in future.
I am not going to lie, I love Christmas book what ever time of the year. As soon as I saw the front cover and read the title I thought this would be my kind of book. Our MC Cary needs a fresh start. after being left in a coma after a bad car accident she decides she needs to make some changes. Seeing an advert for a job at a cafe in Paris, Cary decides it is fate intervening and leaves her job as a teacher in the small village where she lives.
It isn't the light romance I expected when reading the synopsis. Cary is definitely having PTSD from the accidents which is deal with in the wiring but done in such a way that it is easy to read about. The book has depth and I love the way the story switched from Cary to Mat it made it flow really well, and we grew with the characters as the relationship developed..
I also totally love the Paris scenes, and I was definitely getting Emily in Paris vibes from the book which made me enjoy it even more. This is the first book I have read by the author but I will certainly look out for Sophie Claires books in future.
December 21, 2024
This was the perfect festive read set in the magical city of Paris. The setting of the story was so good and I loved the glimpses of Paris we encountered, but the cafe was the ideal setting and sounded like the perfect place to unwind. I really liked the variety of characters that entered the cafe and the community feel that it portrayed was heartwarming to read, with the different cakes making my mouth water.
I liked how the book was told from different points of view, from both Carys & Mat and it was good to get to know them both. They each had different backgrounds to share and secrets not told and the development of the story was good. The story had many layers to it and I was not expecting it to become as deep as it did, but certain topics were written so well. I also liked the added reviews throughout, which broke up the story and added another dimension to the story.
The ending of the story was good and I felt it concluded for all characters really well. I liked how everyone came together, reinforcing the community aspect of the story and it really was heartwarming. I was left wondering what happened next to the characters and would love to read more from them.
I liked how the book was told from different points of view, from both Carys & Mat and it was good to get to know them both. They each had different backgrounds to share and secrets not told and the development of the story was good. The story had many layers to it and I was not expecting it to become as deep as it did, but certain topics were written so well. I also liked the added reviews throughout, which broke up the story and added another dimension to the story.
The ending of the story was good and I felt it concluded for all characters really well. I liked how everyone came together, reinforcing the community aspect of the story and it really was heartwarming. I was left wondering what happened next to the characters and would love to read more from them.
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