Dark-Readers: BOOK REVIEW! Paris is Always a Good Idea by Nicolas Barreau

Paris is Always a Good Idea A Novel

Title: Paris is Always a Good Idea
Author: Nicolas Barreau
Publisher: St. Martin's Press Griffin
Format: Paperback, 304 pages
Release Date: March 29th 2016
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Synopsis:
When Rosalie’s childhood hero asks her to provide the illustrations for his newest children’s book, it’s like a dream come true. The pair becomes fast friends, but questions arise when an American professor accuses her new friend of plagiarism. Rosalie embarks on a search for the truth and ends up finding much more in this adorable tale of love in all its forms: romantic, family, and friendly.

Review:
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first quarter of the book didn't grab my attention. Nicolas Barreau writing is quite beautiful, but I felt the story drag on more than once. She definitely paid attention to the surroundings of every character, but it did start getting repetitive.

I wasn't sure where this story was heading, but oh my goodness, did it suprise me in the best way possible!

Rosalie Laurent is a character I didn't at all connect with, which is unfortunate. Her character lacked much of a personality. She was passionate in her work, literature and of course, love. It wasn't until the other characters appeared, that Rosalie stood out a little more.

A little less than half way through, the story started to pick up more. When you are introduced to Max, an elderly writer, he definitely lifted my attention to the story. I adored his personality so much. At times he was maybe a bit grouchy and sarcastic, but he made me laugh on a few occasions. If you have a grandfather, or an older man in your life, you can definitely appreciate Max as a character.

Then you meet, Robert Sherman. He was another charming gentleman. A New Yorker with an attitude, but once his shell was cracked, he made his way into your heart effortlessly.

When the story had a turn of events, I found myself more involved in the characters. The mystery elements to the story interested me the most, making me anxious to find the answers.

Since Paris is the city of love, yes, there is a love story. A simply beautiful one at that.

Even though the book wasn't perfect to me, it did have some great qualities. It make you believe that everything happens for a reason, and fate is possible.

About the Author:
NICOLAS BARREAU was born in Paris, the son of a French father and a German mother. He studied romance languages and literature at the Sorbonne and worked in a bookshop on the Rive Gauche in Paris but is far from an inexperienced bookworm. With his other successful novels, The Ingredients of Love, The Woman of My Life and You'll Find Me at the End of the World, he has gained an enthusiastic audience.