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Thirty Days in Paris
Because Paris is always a good idea...
Years ago, Juliet left a little piece of her heart in Paris - and now, separated from her husband and with her children flying the nest, it's time to get it back!
So she puts on her best red lipstick, books a cosy attic apartment near Notre-Dame and takes the next train out of London.
Arriving at the Gare du Nord, the memories come flooding back: bustling street cafés, cheap wine in candlelit bars and a handsome boy with glittering eyes.
But Juliet has also been keeping a secret for over two decades - and she begins to realise it's impossible to move forwards without first looking back.
Something tells her that the next thirty days might just change everything...
Years ago, Juliet left a little piece of her heart in Paris - and now, separated from her husband and with her children flying the nest, it's time to get it back!
So she puts on her best red lipstick, books a cosy attic apartment near Notre-Dame and takes the next train out of London.
Arriving at the Gare du Nord, the memories come flooding back: bustling street cafés, cheap wine in candlelit bars and a handsome boy with glittering eyes.
But Juliet has also been keeping a secret for over two decades - and she begins to realise it's impossible to move forwards without first looking back.
Something tells her that the next thirty days might just change everything...
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2023
597 people are currently reading
2776 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Henry
70 books1,612 followersVeronica Henry was a television script writer before turning her hand to fiction. She has published sixteen novels which she describes as realistic escapism - her setting are gorgeous, but her characters have problems and dilemmas everyone can identify with.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
July 22, 2024
Oo la la. A bar called She Cried Champagne. Only in Paris. Want a virtual visit to Paris with a fifty-something MC and a second-chance romance? This is the book for you.
Juliet is back in Paris for the first time in thirty years. When she was twenty, she was there as an au pair and fell in love, not only with Paris, but a young man named Olivier. She also made a best friend named Nathalie. Juliet's departure was abrupt and without explanation.
Now she is separated from her husband and making a new start with a thirty-day stay in The City of Light. Her return is forcing her to confront the past. Putting that Ingenue experience down on paper may help her to move on and fall in love with Paris once again.
Juliet is a character you want to root for and Veronica Henry does a magnificent job in establishing a strong sense of place. I was experiencing Paris along with Juliet to the point that I expected to see a different me in the mirror. Although I am not able to go to the 2024 Olympics, this book has given me a Paris experience of my own. 😎
Juliet is back in Paris for the first time in thirty years. When she was twenty, she was there as an au pair and fell in love, not only with Paris, but a young man named Olivier. She also made a best friend named Nathalie. Juliet's departure was abrupt and without explanation.
Now she is separated from her husband and making a new start with a thirty-day stay in The City of Light. Her return is forcing her to confront the past. Putting that Ingenue experience down on paper may help her to move on and fall in love with Paris once again.
Juliet is a character you want to root for and Veronica Henry does a magnificent job in establishing a strong sense of place. I was experiencing Paris along with Juliet to the point that I expected to see a different me in the mirror. Although I am not able to go to the 2024 Olympics, this book has given me a Paris experience of my own. 😎
March 11, 2023
Wow, it's not often I want to give 6 stars out of 5 for a book, but this is it. I've read a few Veronica Henry books and enjoyed every one but Thirty Days in Paris, tops them all and feel this will be my book of the year. I didn't want it to end and read this book for hours at a time, needing to know what happens to the main character Juliet and her friends and family next.
I was instantly transported to Paris this book which initially starts with an alternating between then and now of Juliet's life when she starts off in her 20s and travels to become an au pair with a French family in Paris and the now where her children have flown the nest and she's split with her husband and wondering were the next part of her life will take her, but wants to spend the next 30 days back in Paris reminiscing and reconnecting to put things right after her last stay in Paris 30 years ago. I totally fell in love with the characters, locations and enjoyed everything about this book.
There was no rushed ending and the book was perfectly paced and took me away to the romantic city of Paris and all it's delights and locations with every page, whether a chic boutique, restaurant or even Juliet's accommodation and friends she makes along the way. I felt I was right there with Juliet.. A wonderfully paced and perfectly written book for any occasion.
A big thank you to Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've just been reminded was an amazing author Veronica is and will definitely be seeking out those books I haven't yet read in the near future.
I was instantly transported to Paris this book which initially starts with an alternating between then and now of Juliet's life when she starts off in her 20s and travels to become an au pair with a French family in Paris and the now where her children have flown the nest and she's split with her husband and wondering were the next part of her life will take her, but wants to spend the next 30 days back in Paris reminiscing and reconnecting to put things right after her last stay in Paris 30 years ago. I totally fell in love with the characters, locations and enjoyed everything about this book.
There was no rushed ending and the book was perfectly paced and took me away to the romantic city of Paris and all it's delights and locations with every page, whether a chic boutique, restaurant or even Juliet's accommodation and friends she makes along the way. I felt I was right there with Juliet.. A wonderfully paced and perfectly written book for any occasion.
A big thank you to Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've just been reminded was an amazing author Veronica is and will definitely be seeking out those books I haven't yet read in the near future.
May 30, 2023
Although I normally love Veronica Henry's novels, this one just didn't do it for me.
I found it dragged on a bit and read like a travelogue for Paris. Every other page is peppered with locations, names of restaurants and cafes, French phrases with or without their translation and the various ways of making your way round the city.
Our heroine Juliette's story is narrated in first and third person format with a timeline set thirty years apart.
The Ingenue storyline is set in the 90s however I had to keep reminding myself of this fact. It reads more like a young naive girl from the 50s or 60s who is scandalised by the sex shops and shows in La Pigale and has never in her life heard Je T'aime by Jane Birkin.
Juliette is boring and one dimensional and the big reveal as to why she leaves Paris turns out be a damp squib too.
Thank god I borrowed from library and didn't waste money on buying.
I found it dragged on a bit and read like a travelogue for Paris. Every other page is peppered with locations, names of restaurants and cafes, French phrases with or without their translation and the various ways of making your way round the city.
Our heroine Juliette's story is narrated in first and third person format with a timeline set thirty years apart.
The Ingenue storyline is set in the 90s however I had to keep reminding myself of this fact. It reads more like a young naive girl from the 50s or 60s who is scandalised by the sex shops and shows in La Pigale and has never in her life heard Je T'aime by Jane Birkin.
Juliette is boring and one dimensional and the big reveal as to why she leaves Paris turns out be a damp squib too.
Thank god I borrowed from library and didn't waste money on buying.
November 23, 2022
OMG I absolutely adored this book. Filled with the sights, smells and atmosphere of Paris throughout and told both through the memoir and present day life of Juliet. This book felt like it was written for my generation of women in their mid fifties who feel that life is passing by too quickly and wonder what life may have been like if we’d made different choices…….. as Juliet says ‘ a coming of middle age book……..about how she had come to revisit her past and in doing so had found herself……….. women of a certain age who had lost their way and were unsure of the future.’ Beautifully written, wonderful characters that I’d love to meet in real life. I feel like I’ve just spent a gorgeous few hours in Paris. Perfect storytelling. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
On a side note, having lived in Worcester all my life, Veronica won’t be winning any prizes from Worcester Tourist Board as it comes across as the most boring place in the world 🤣😂 - seriously though. It was fantastic to read a book where my home town is featured, rather than London or Manchester. Thank you Veronica 😊
On a side note, having lived in Worcester all my life, Veronica won’t be winning any prizes from Worcester Tourist Board as it comes across as the most boring place in the world 🤣😂 - seriously though. It was fantastic to read a book where my home town is featured, rather than London or Manchester. Thank you Veronica 😊
April 21, 2023
Juliet returns to Paris.
Thirty Days in Paris is, quite simply, glorious and I loved every word. Veronica Henry immerses her reader into the Parisian setting with such skill and atmosphere that it’s as if you’re sitting on the banks of the Seine reading it. Her descriptions of food, aromas and places are so evocative that reading Thirty Days in Paris made me desperate to head back there as soon as I can. There’s a magnificent authenticity to the way Paris is conveyed.
I loved the plotting and the structure of the book. It’s fascinating how Juliet’s first person ‘Ingenue’ sections are gradually uncovered with a hint of mystery that leads Judith to her current third person narrative. As a result, Judith is a multi-layered, compelling character who is utterly convincing. I adored meeting her. I thoroughly appreciated the lack of drama in her separation from Stuart because it felt so plausible and real. Not all marriages end in bitter drama.
The story is just wonderful as Juliet lays to rest the demons of her past. I found Thirty Days in Paris emotionally mature, intelligent and appealing so that Veronica Henry moved me to tears with her ability to convey Juliet’s inner thoughts and feelings so effectively. Despite the fact that Thirty Days in Paris is uplifting and liberating with love at its core, it tugs at the heart strings too with its vibrating, melancholic sense of missed opportunities and what might have been. At the same time, this is a story of hope and encouragement. Forget youth. Forget life beginning at forty. What Veronica Henry shows you is that life begins at whatever point an individual decides and all that is needed is to be a tiny bit brave. I thought this message was outstanding.
I loved meeting Olivier, Natalie and the Beaubois family too. Corrine adds a poignancy to the story that is a catalyst for Juliet’s life but the lightness of touch in Veronica Henry’s writing of this element is just perfect.
Indeed, I thought Thirty Days in Paris was perfect all round. Whether it’s because Juliet is older than the thirty-something protagonists of so many novels, or whether it’s the author’s skilful use of the senses to create place, or perhaps the quality of emotion running through the story I’m not sure. Thirty Days in Paris has a je ne sais quoi that makes it a truly fabulous read. I absolutely loved every moment of reading it and it is one of my favourite books this year.
Thirty Days in Paris is, quite simply, glorious and I loved every word. Veronica Henry immerses her reader into the Parisian setting with such skill and atmosphere that it’s as if you’re sitting on the banks of the Seine reading it. Her descriptions of food, aromas and places are so evocative that reading Thirty Days in Paris made me desperate to head back there as soon as I can. There’s a magnificent authenticity to the way Paris is conveyed.
I loved the plotting and the structure of the book. It’s fascinating how Juliet’s first person ‘Ingenue’ sections are gradually uncovered with a hint of mystery that leads Judith to her current third person narrative. As a result, Judith is a multi-layered, compelling character who is utterly convincing. I adored meeting her. I thoroughly appreciated the lack of drama in her separation from Stuart because it felt so plausible and real. Not all marriages end in bitter drama.
The story is just wonderful as Juliet lays to rest the demons of her past. I found Thirty Days in Paris emotionally mature, intelligent and appealing so that Veronica Henry moved me to tears with her ability to convey Juliet’s inner thoughts and feelings so effectively. Despite the fact that Thirty Days in Paris is uplifting and liberating with love at its core, it tugs at the heart strings too with its vibrating, melancholic sense of missed opportunities and what might have been. At the same time, this is a story of hope and encouragement. Forget youth. Forget life beginning at forty. What Veronica Henry shows you is that life begins at whatever point an individual decides and all that is needed is to be a tiny bit brave. I thought this message was outstanding.
I loved meeting Olivier, Natalie and the Beaubois family too. Corrine adds a poignancy to the story that is a catalyst for Juliet’s life but the lightness of touch in Veronica Henry’s writing of this element is just perfect.
Indeed, I thought Thirty Days in Paris was perfect all round. Whether it’s because Juliet is older than the thirty-something protagonists of so many novels, or whether it’s the author’s skilful use of the senses to create place, or perhaps the quality of emotion running through the story I’m not sure. Thirty Days in Paris has a je ne sais quoi that makes it a truly fabulous read. I absolutely loved every moment of reading it and it is one of my favourite books this year.
September 19, 2023
Not my favourite book by this author. Too much on Paris and neither of the 2 storylines have much substance. Not very memorable
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January 19, 2026Ik ben niet gek op Parijs, maar zou bijna weer zin krijgen om te gaan. (Of misschien wil ik gewoon alles eten wat Juliet at).
3/2026
3/2026
January 11, 2026
3,5 ✨
Ένα βιβλίο για την πόλη του φωτός, αγορασμένο από το ίδιο το Παρίσι!
Με ταξίδεψε πίσω σε αυτή την πανέμορφη πόλη, μου δημιούργησε τόσο ζωντανές κι ατμοσφαιρικές εικόνες που ένιωθα σαν να ήμουν μαζί με την πρωταγωνίστρια σε κάθε της βήμα.
Μια ιστορία για την προσωπική εξέλιξη, τα λάθη που μας οδηγούν στο να καταλάβουμε καλύτερα τον εαυτό μας, τις ανθρώπινες σχέσεις που μας διαμορφώνουν και προπαντός τις δεύτερες ευκαιρίες!
Γλυκό, νοσταλγικό, γεμάτο ελπίδα!
Ένα βιβλίο για την πόλη του φωτός, αγορασμένο από το ίδιο το Παρίσι!
Με ταξίδεψε πίσω σε αυτή την πανέμορφη πόλη, μου δημιούργησε τόσο ζωντανές κι ατμοσφαιρικές εικόνες που ένιωθα σαν να ήμουν μαζί με την πρωταγωνίστρια σε κάθε της βήμα.
Μια ιστορία για την προσωπική εξέλιξη, τα λάθη που μας οδηγούν στο να καταλάβουμε καλύτερα τον εαυτό μας, τις ανθρώπινες σχέσεις που μας διαμορφώνουν και προπαντός τις δεύτερες ευκαιρίες!
Γλυκό, νοσταλγικό, γεμάτο ελπίδα!
August 25, 2023
Wow! Loved it! A complete page turner, no dull bits. I was compelled to read to find out more about Juliet and her 30 days in Paris. Written through her memoir & present time, this book takes you on a tour of Paris & and makes you feel as if you are actually there. I've read several of Veronica's books, but this is up there with The Forever House & A Family Recipe. Thank you Veronica 😊
January 14, 2025
Quite repetitive, entirely predictable, and slightly boring. I felt like this did a better job of selling the city of Paris than it did any of the characters. I also found the sprinkles of French and the changing between timelines unnecessarily confusing.
April 16, 2023
I knew that I was in for a very special treat when I started reading. There’s something quite magical about the way Veronica Henry writes and I happily submitted to the text and was swept away. There is a dual timeline feel to this story as we read about Juliet’s modern-day visit to Paris, alongside revisiting her early experiences as a young girl.
Juliet’s separation and subsequent divorce from her husband are told with real warmth and I was left wishing that all relationships could end so beautifully. Alas, that is but a dream. As she arrives in Paris, Juliet is enchanted by the bijou apartment that she has rented and gets a real feel for life as an artist. As her memories from her earlier visit return, it’s not easy to understand why she ever left her original life behind. Of course, as we follow her experiences reuniting with former friends, we learn more about her reasons for leaving.
I thoroughly enjoyed Juliet’s friendship with both Nathalie and Olivier. There’s something quite wonderful about friendships that endure the pressures of time. To return to an earlier feeling of love and familiarity with no more than a slight hiccup in connection is a very special thing. In particular, I would love to grab a table at The Girl Who Cried Champagne and sample the mouth-watering food that is described there.
Of course, the key theme is for Juliet to find closure for her earlier visit. To discover a way to close the door on her earlier experiences and find comfort in her memories. That need finds fulfilment in a wonderfully soothing way. As the implications of how her time ended are brought to light, there is a healing and understanding that left me feeling happy.
This is a love letter to Juliet’s younger self and also to Paris. The vivid descriptions and references helped me feel as though I was there. It’s been around 35 years since my last visit, and now I have a yearning to return. I will also make sure that I include the Eiffel Tower in my plans. Thank you, Veronica, I loved this escape to Paris.
Juliet’s separation and subsequent divorce from her husband are told with real warmth and I was left wishing that all relationships could end so beautifully. Alas, that is but a dream. As she arrives in Paris, Juliet is enchanted by the bijou apartment that she has rented and gets a real feel for life as an artist. As her memories from her earlier visit return, it’s not easy to understand why she ever left her original life behind. Of course, as we follow her experiences reuniting with former friends, we learn more about her reasons for leaving.
I thoroughly enjoyed Juliet’s friendship with both Nathalie and Olivier. There’s something quite wonderful about friendships that endure the pressures of time. To return to an earlier feeling of love and familiarity with no more than a slight hiccup in connection is a very special thing. In particular, I would love to grab a table at The Girl Who Cried Champagne and sample the mouth-watering food that is described there.
Of course, the key theme is for Juliet to find closure for her earlier visit. To discover a way to close the door on her earlier experiences and find comfort in her memories. That need finds fulfilment in a wonderfully soothing way. As the implications of how her time ended are brought to light, there is a healing and understanding that left me feeling happy.
This is a love letter to Juliet’s younger self and also to Paris. The vivid descriptions and references helped me feel as though I was there. It’s been around 35 years since my last visit, and now I have a yearning to return. I will also make sure that I include the Eiffel Tower in my plans. Thank you, Veronica, I loved this escape to Paris.
March 22, 2023
Juliet finds herself single again after her marriage of twenty five years has come to an amicable end, as she and her husband Stuart no longer want the same things, so she sets off on a journey to rediscover herself, and where better than Paris, the place she fell in love thirty years ago and found the love of her life, Olivier. What will happen during the next thirty days in Paris is entirely up to her and she is ready to tell her story...
Thirty Days in Paris is a sweet story about first love, friendship, heartbreak and survival. Juliet is a strong character when we first meet her, with a long marriage behind her and two grown up children that have flown the nest it's time to put herself first, so returning to Paris to reminisce and write her story seems like a good idea as she needs to lay some ghosts to rest. Rewind thirty years and she's a naive teenager who wants to see the world so when she sees an advert for an au pair she jumps at the chance. Henry takes us on this journey alongside Juliet, showing us all the beauty of Paris and more, but we also experience the bumpy part of this ride too and my heart went out to many of the characters in this book who the author had depicted so perfectly. It's an adorable read with humour and emotion flowing through every page. Paris has never appealed to me until I read this book and now I'm tempted to pack my bags and experience it for myself.
I'd like to thank Orion and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Thirty Days in Paris is a sweet story about first love, friendship, heartbreak and survival. Juliet is a strong character when we first meet her, with a long marriage behind her and two grown up children that have flown the nest it's time to put herself first, so returning to Paris to reminisce and write her story seems like a good idea as she needs to lay some ghosts to rest. Rewind thirty years and she's a naive teenager who wants to see the world so when she sees an advert for an au pair she jumps at the chance. Henry takes us on this journey alongside Juliet, showing us all the beauty of Paris and more, but we also experience the bumpy part of this ride too and my heart went out to many of the characters in this book who the author had depicted so perfectly. It's an adorable read with humour and emotion flowing through every page. Paris has never appealed to me until I read this book and now I'm tempted to pack my bags and experience it for myself.
I'd like to thank Orion and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
November 9, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this! The story took me into the heart of Paris, and I really didn't want to let go.
Some beautiful descriptions of the City and it's atmosphere, and oh, the constant mention of cheese and wine got my juices flowing haha.
There are two timelines which I enjoyed comparing, but also saw hiw similar Paris was even years apart. Such a slow pace way if life, wonderful and dreamy.
So the Characters, now, I liked them all! Even those who were deeply flawed. I would have loved to have known a bit more about Juliet and Stuarts married years, but the story concentrated more on the now with them and that's fine.
There was no massive twist or revelation, but some books don't need that. I haven't read a Veronica Henry book since emy 20s and it's nice to see her characters have kind of grown up with me. I found this to be a story of hope and honesty.
A great quick read that got me smiling.
Some beautiful descriptions of the City and it's atmosphere, and oh, the constant mention of cheese and wine got my juices flowing haha.
There are two timelines which I enjoyed comparing, but also saw hiw similar Paris was even years apart. Such a slow pace way if life, wonderful and dreamy.
So the Characters, now, I liked them all! Even those who were deeply flawed. I would have loved to have known a bit more about Juliet and Stuarts married years, but the story concentrated more on the now with them and that's fine.
There was no massive twist or revelation, but some books don't need that. I haven't read a Veronica Henry book since emy 20s and it's nice to see her characters have kind of grown up with me. I found this to be a story of hope and honesty.
A great quick read that got me smiling.
March 29, 2024
This is the first Veronica Henry book I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I liked the way the story was written in the present time but with the background told in the form of the FMCs memoir/book she is writing. Brilliant characters in a wonderful setting with detailed descriptions of Paris, food, wine and fashion.
It was refreshing to read a book featuring mature main characters. A lovely heartwarming story of second chance love.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
I liked the way the story was written in the present time but with the background told in the form of the FMCs memoir/book she is writing. Brilliant characters in a wonderful setting with detailed descriptions of Paris, food, wine and fashion.
It was refreshing to read a book featuring mature main characters. A lovely heartwarming story of second chance love.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 4, 2023
Very enjoyable read. Fantastic setting and full of twists and turns. Warm, romantic with a sprinkling of glamour. I miss the characters already! The two timeframes helped to piece the story together and provide the platform for the present perspective. Skilfully written and a great read.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
September 17, 2023
This is a lovely fluffy easy read of a book that will transport you to Paris.
Juliet is a middle aged woman who has separated from her husband and goes back to Paris 20 years after her first original trip. A story of second chances.
Juliet is a middle aged woman who has separated from her husband and goes back to Paris 20 years after her first original trip. A story of second chances.
October 18, 2023
3.5.
A nice relaxing read from this reliable author.
A nice relaxing read from this reliable author.
September 30, 2025
The story is exactly what you’d expect from a nice easy read 3 ⭐️ but I loved it more because I felt like I was in Paris too so it gets a bonus ⭐️
September 25, 2023
Book club read, just in time for my holiday ! Just perfect 👌
Read
April 29, 2025DNF
August 30, 2023
4.5 stars
March 11, 2023
Wow, it's not often I want to give 6 stars out of 5 for a book, but this is it. I've read a few Veronica Henry books and enjoyed every one but Thirty Days in Paris, tops them all and feel this will be my book of the year. I didn't want it to end and read this book for hours at a time, needing to know what happens to the main character Juliet and her friends and family next.
I was instantly transported to Paris this book which initially starts with an alternating between then and now of Juliet's life when she starts off in her 20s and travels to become an au pair with a French family in Paris and the now where her children have flown the nest and she's split with her husband and wondering were the next part of her life will take her, but wants to spend the next 30 days back in Paris reminiscing and reconnecting to put things right after her last stay in Paris 30 years ago. I totally fell in love with the characters, locations and enjoyed everything about this book.
There was no rushed ending and the book was perfectly paced and took me away to the romantic city of Paris and all it's delights and locations with every page, whether a chic boutique, restaurant or even Juliet's accommodation and friends she makes along the way. I felt I was right there with Juliet.. A wonderfully paced and perfectly written book for any occasion.
A big thank you to Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've just been reminded was an amazing author Veronica is and will definitely be seeking out those books I haven't yet read in the near future.
I was instantly transported to Paris this book which initially starts with an alternating between then and now of Juliet's life when she starts off in her 20s and travels to become an au pair with a French family in Paris and the now where her children have flown the nest and she's split with her husband and wondering were the next part of her life will take her, but wants to spend the next 30 days back in Paris reminiscing and reconnecting to put things right after her last stay in Paris 30 years ago. I totally fell in love with the characters, locations and enjoyed everything about this book.
There was no rushed ending and the book was perfectly paced and took me away to the romantic city of Paris and all it's delights and locations with every page, whether a chic boutique, restaurant or even Juliet's accommodation and friends she makes along the way. I felt I was right there with Juliet.. A wonderfully paced and perfectly written book for any occasion.
A big thank you to Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've just been reminded was an amazing author Veronica is and will definitely be seeking out those books I haven't yet read in the near future.
December 10, 2022
I received a free copy of, Thirty Days in Paris, by Veronica Henry, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Juliet is starting a new chapter in her life, and decides to spend time in Paris. This book goes back and forth, from when Juliet visited Paris when she was younger to present day, visiting Paris. An enjoyable read, from a good author.
September 26, 2023
3.4! I did love the plot but could of made it 10x more sexier and almost longer????? I almost pictured what was going to happen and it never got to 100% excitement more like 72% iygm. Olivier seemed semi sauce but can’t forget the bent rollerblades stop that brother
September 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this. It makes you want to go to Paris and make you reassess your own life!
July 27, 2023
I must admit that I will read anything about the city Paris whether it's fiction or factual. I have a love affair with Paris after several visits on holiday. It's a favourite city to visit for me , and reading about it always has me feeling nostalgic for those lovely times.
The cover caught my eye in the bookshelves in
Tesco's , vibrant pink with a gold resplendent Eiffel Tower standing out . I knew I immediately had to read it. I've read quite a few of Veronica Henry's book and she has such a lovely way with the written word and plots that makes me a happy reader and she done it again this time too.
Juliet returns to Paris for the first time in 30 years after separating from her husband Stuart . As she arrives at the Gare Du Nord , memories flood back of her last time there and the secret that caused her to leave suddenly .
Reunited with her friend Nathalie (such a vibrant and likeable character ) that you'd want as a friend , you get to see some of the old Juliet returning with a zest for life and a remembrance of how much she enjoyed the city of Paris , the food , the atmosphere and an idea springs to her that they should write a book alongside the one she's writing for herself during her 30 days stay.
However there is the boy that is now a man that she left behind with no explanation , Olivier who you can't help but fall for twice over as you read this book. Her first love , that was snatched cruelly away by two very selfish people , one that had me cursing at him for what he did.
I'm so glad they got reunited though at first it wasn't smooth, they just are so good together as a couple. Obstacles happen , but you can feel the chemistry between the two lead characters as you are swept along with them as they explore Paris together.
This has been such a delightful read , with great characters . It's had me smiling and remembering the places they've visited in the book as I recognise them . The descriptive food and drink has had my mouthwatering , i'm now off to buy a french stick to have for lunch with my dairy free camembert to bring a little french cuisine into my day and maybe a little brandy too .
Thank you very much Veronica Henry for such a lovely read and definitely deserving of a 5 star ⭐️ review.
The cover caught my eye in the bookshelves in
Tesco's , vibrant pink with a gold resplendent Eiffel Tower standing out . I knew I immediately had to read it. I've read quite a few of Veronica Henry's book and she has such a lovely way with the written word and plots that makes me a happy reader and she done it again this time too.
Juliet returns to Paris for the first time in 30 years after separating from her husband Stuart . As she arrives at the Gare Du Nord , memories flood back of her last time there and the secret that caused her to leave suddenly .
Reunited with her friend Nathalie (such a vibrant and likeable character ) that you'd want as a friend , you get to see some of the old Juliet returning with a zest for life and a remembrance of how much she enjoyed the city of Paris , the food , the atmosphere and an idea springs to her that they should write a book alongside the one she's writing for herself during her 30 days stay.
However there is the boy that is now a man that she left behind with no explanation , Olivier who you can't help but fall for twice over as you read this book. Her first love , that was snatched cruelly away by two very selfish people , one that had me cursing at him for what he did.
I'm so glad they got reunited though at first it wasn't smooth, they just are so good together as a couple. Obstacles happen , but you can feel the chemistry between the two lead characters as you are swept along with them as they explore Paris together.
This has been such a delightful read , with great characters . It's had me smiling and remembering the places they've visited in the book as I recognise them . The descriptive food and drink has had my mouthwatering , i'm now off to buy a french stick to have for lunch with my dairy free camembert to bring a little french cuisine into my day and maybe a little brandy too .
Thank you very much Veronica Henry for such a lovely read and definitely deserving of a 5 star ⭐️ review.
September 20, 2023
Oh my goodness I absolutely loved this so much, I just couldn’t get enough of it, it had everything that I love about a good book.
🩷 Paris
🩷 Duel timeline
🩷 Second chance
🩷 Delicious food and wine
🩷 Dreams do come true
🩷 Escapism
🩷 Self love
The storyline of this book was wonderful, I loved meeting Juliet who was this beautiful strong lady about to embark on her own journey of self discovery. After her 25 year marriage ended she decided to give herself some time to discover who she is now and who she wants to be. She had a couple of moments where she doubted her and Stewart’s decision to separate but deep down she knew they had done the right thing for both of them. She was so excited to be going to Paris for thirty days, a place where she spent time as an Au Pair when she was much younger and where she left the love of her life.
really enjoyed going between both timelines of this book, I loved how much young Juliet embraced the city, she made great friendships and discovered a great love for Paris. I also really enjoyed her in the now, she went back there and took the city by both hands and embraced every single thing she loved about it.
I love how she reconnected with Olivier and Nathalie, how they worked through her leaving Paris and were able to get back to the strong friendships they once shared.
The authors love for Paris shines in this book, she made me believe I was their experiencing it all with them.
As they say ‘Paris is always a great idea’
🩷 Paris
🩷 Duel timeline
🩷 Second chance
🩷 Delicious food and wine
🩷 Dreams do come true
🩷 Escapism
🩷 Self love
The storyline of this book was wonderful, I loved meeting Juliet who was this beautiful strong lady about to embark on her own journey of self discovery. After her 25 year marriage ended she decided to give herself some time to discover who she is now and who she wants to be. She had a couple of moments where she doubted her and Stewart’s decision to separate but deep down she knew they had done the right thing for both of them. She was so excited to be going to Paris for thirty days, a place where she spent time as an Au Pair when she was much younger and where she left the love of her life.
really enjoyed going between both timelines of this book, I loved how much young Juliet embraced the city, she made great friendships and discovered a great love for Paris. I also really enjoyed her in the now, she went back there and took the city by both hands and embraced every single thing she loved about it.
I love how she reconnected with Olivier and Nathalie, how they worked through her leaving Paris and were able to get back to the strong friendships they once shared.
The authors love for Paris shines in this book, she made me believe I was their experiencing it all with them.
As they say ‘Paris is always a great idea’
January 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brilliant! Delicious! Hands down a re-read. I will buy this as a gift!
“Because Paris is always a good idea…"
Veronica Henry captivated me from the very first page. This novel doesn’t simply describe Paris—it immerses you in it. I could vividly see the winding streets and hidden bookshops, taste the decadent food, and feel the emotional texture of every scene.
Beyond the sensory richness, the heart of the story lies in its relationships: family bonds, enduring friendships, first loves, and the complicated tenderness of past loves revisited. Each connection feels authentic and layered, giving the story depth and emotional resonance.
What lingers most is the novel’s quiet power—its reminder that it’s never too late to begin again. This is a story about resilience, reflection, and rediscovering yourself when life takes an unexpected turn.
Transporting, tender, and deeply satisfying. A book to savor—and absolutely to revisit.
“Because Paris is always a good idea…"
Veronica Henry captivated me from the very first page. This novel doesn’t simply describe Paris—it immerses you in it. I could vividly see the winding streets and hidden bookshops, taste the decadent food, and feel the emotional texture of every scene.
Beyond the sensory richness, the heart of the story lies in its relationships: family bonds, enduring friendships, first loves, and the complicated tenderness of past loves revisited. Each connection feels authentic and layered, giving the story depth and emotional resonance.
What lingers most is the novel’s quiet power—its reminder that it’s never too late to begin again. This is a story about resilience, reflection, and rediscovering yourself when life takes an unexpected turn.
Transporting, tender, and deeply satisfying. A book to savor—and absolutely to revisit.
February 23, 2023
This is the story of Juliet who travels to Paris after an amicable end to her marriage of 25 years. Juliet is in her early fifties, her children have grown up and flown the nest and she and her husband have decided that they are no longer ‘in love’ and have separated. She is a freelance writer with money in the bank and so decides to rent a tiny flat in Paris, a place she has not visited since she was 20
Paris is the real star of the story. This is the Paris of love stories, full of lovely shops, beautiful art and friendly bar men, a Paris where all of the men are good looking and the women are impossibly well-dressed. It’s probably not very realistic on an every day basis but the book certainly made me want to revisit the city and to try and find some of Juliet’s bars, restaurants and markets.
During her stay Juliet wants to write down the story of her visit when she was an au pair to a young couple and their three children. The story is told as a dual time-line with Juliet’s present day story alternating with the chapters of her book as she writes them. We see how she settles into her new life and meets old friends and we also get the story of how they first met and formed their relationships in that first visit.
It's a lovely story of a woman finding herself again after one phase of her life comes to an end as well as finally coming to terms with events of thirty years earlier and is written with all of Veronica Henry’s usual flair and warmth. A great piece of escapist fiction to curl up with.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Paris is the real star of the story. This is the Paris of love stories, full of lovely shops, beautiful art and friendly bar men, a Paris where all of the men are good looking and the women are impossibly well-dressed. It’s probably not very realistic on an every day basis but the book certainly made me want to revisit the city and to try and find some of Juliet’s bars, restaurants and markets.
During her stay Juliet wants to write down the story of her visit when she was an au pair to a young couple and their three children. The story is told as a dual time-line with Juliet’s present day story alternating with the chapters of her book as she writes them. We see how she settles into her new life and meets old friends and we also get the story of how they first met and formed their relationships in that first visit.
It's a lovely story of a woman finding herself again after one phase of her life comes to an end as well as finally coming to terms with events of thirty years earlier and is written with all of Veronica Henry’s usual flair and warmth. A great piece of escapist fiction to curl up with.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2023
What can I say about this book? I love Veronica Henry, her writing is always so perfect. She's my choice when it comes to summer readings, but also Christmas time stories.
This time, with Thirty Days in Paris, she brings us a delicious story that kept me hooked until the end. I love books that besides entertaining, also teach me something, and in this one I have learnt thar Apero Dinners are a hit. I am going to try it.
If you've ever been in Paris, this is a great read, because you will be visualising everything through her writing. But don't worry if you've never been to the city of Light: Veronica's writing is so wonderful you will be able to picture yourself there, too.
So get your copy of this book: whether in Summer or at Christmas, this is a major read!
This time, with Thirty Days in Paris, she brings us a delicious story that kept me hooked until the end. I love books that besides entertaining, also teach me something, and in this one I have learnt thar Apero Dinners are a hit. I am going to try it.
If you've ever been in Paris, this is a great read, because you will be visualising everything through her writing. But don't worry if you've never been to the city of Light: Veronica's writing is so wonderful you will be able to picture yourself there, too.
So get your copy of this book: whether in Summer or at Christmas, this is a major read!
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