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Woman's World
11 Enchanting Books That Will Take You To Paris Without Ever Leaving Home!
By Melissa D'Agnese,
2 days ago
From its rich architecture to its scenic views along the Seine, there’s something extraordinary about Paris. Often referred to as The City of Love, the sparkling metropolis has also inspired writers and artists for centuries — including Ernest Hemingway, who famously wrote, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” And next week, the 2024 Summer Olympics will kick off in Paris — it’s set to be the biggest event ever organized in France! So if you’re looking for a good book to transport you there, look no further. We rounded up 11 of our favorite books — some old and some new — set in the City of Light.
Keep scrolling to discover a select handful of our top books set in Paris. From romance to thrillers and historical fiction, there’s something for everyone. Happy reading!
Bestselling author Rhys Bowen is known for her deeply captivating historical tales and this one is no different. In 1942, Londoner Madeleine Grant is studying at the Sorbonne in Paris when she marries French journalist Giles Martin. When war strikes, Giles sends Madeleine and their son, Olivier, to England. After a tragic turn of events, Madeleine accepts a request from the ministry to aid in the war effort.
What readers are saying: " Rhys Bowen's writing is very compelling; her research intensive; and the storylines extensive. One can learn a lot of history by reading her books! This novel, The Paris Assignment, was outstanding with well-developed characters and surprising outcomes."
This irresistibly captivating novel follows Vincent, who grew up as the daughter of artists and now has a great life. At forty-four, she currently lives in Paris and teaches at an art museum. While there, she’s thrust into an exciting world of passion and art, and she even catches the eye of a charming younger man named Loup. But Vincent also escaped to Paris right after her husband Cillian’s betrayal. She's now estranged from Cillian, but agrees to see him again at their son’s wedding. As her affair with Loup heats up, Vincent now must decide what she truly wants out of life.
What readers are saying: "Thank you, Leesa, for this luscious story of a woman creating her own destiny. I could sense the magic of Paris, taste the pan du chocolate, smell the peonies, see the candlelight, hear the thumping of Loup’s electronica — and feel every pang of betrayal and love through Vincent’s experiences."
It’s 1889 in Paris and Luz Alana is the new heir to her family’s rum business. No one seems to be taking her seriously, though, because she’s a woman — until she meets a titled Scotsman named Evan Sinclair. Could a marriage of convenience save them both?
What readers are saying: "Adriana Herrera's prose is full of sensuality and rich historical details," says Melissa D’Agnese , Woman's World Senior Editor. "From the diverse cast of characters to the banter and romance…I adored this story!"
Jess is jobless and penniless, so she decides to crash at her half-brother Ben’s apartment in Paris until she gets on her feet. When she arrives at his place, Ben is nowhere to be found, but he also doesn’t seem to have left his apartment…so where could he be? As days go by and Ben is still missing, Jess becomes suspicious of Ben’s neighbors, who know more about his disappearance than they’re sharing — and she’s determined to figure out what happened.
What readers are saying: "Sometimes there's nothing better than curling up with glass of wine and a tantalizing thriller by one of your favorite authors," says Lauren Stachiw , Woman's World Beauty Director. "And Lucy Foley always catches my attention from page one. This mysterious plot had me piecing clues together late into the night."
Beautiful Parisian scenes and complex characters are brought to life by bestselling author Sarah Morgan in her new novel about an unlikely friendship. Grace books a trip to Paris to celebrate her 25th anniversary with her husband — only to find out that he wants a divorce. Reeling from the news, she takes the trip anyway and meets 18-year-old Audrey. Leaning on each other, the women learn the power of adventure and hope.
What readers are saying: " One Summer in Paris is about more than just a summer break. It is about love, friendship, history, going home and growing as a person. Once again Sarah yanked me into her story and did not let me go until I reached the end. And once at the end, I found myself mad and sad (that it was over), but overall a feeling of wow...what an amazing story I just got to experience."
Paul and Mia are two expatriates living in the City of Lights. Both have tricky pasts and even more complex relationships. Though an instant spark ignites when they meet, the pair resolve to stay “just friends,” often coming up with fanciful strategies to keep their relationship platonic. But as fate keeps bringing them together, each must decide if they’re willing to risk it all to find the love they’ve always searched for.
What readers are saying: "If you love Paris as I do, you will love reading this as most of the events take place in the streets and venues of the city. It's romantic, emotional and witty all at the same time. One of the best books I've read in a while."
In Paris is Always a Good Idea , bestselling author Jenn McKinlay delivers a playful, lighthearted story full of heart. The plot follows Chelsea Martin, who was in her 20s when she lost her mom. She realizes this immense loss has put her whole life on hold when, several years later, her dad surprises her with the news that he’s remarrying. Her solution? Quit her job and relive the gap year trip she took to France, Ireland and Italy — where she had fallen in love with three men.
What readers are saying: “This story read like a bubbly glass of champagne — light and fun!” says Maggie Dillard , Woman's World Senior Associate Editor. "I couldn't get enough of Chelsea's adventures as traveled around hoping to find love and herself."
A houseboat that is also a bookshop, memorable characters, second chances…this novel, set in the City of Light, has it all. Monsieur Perdu is a bookseller and healer, prescribing novels that mend his clients’ grief and pain — but he has never managed to heal himself of a painful love lost 20 years earlier. Then, the arrival of a new woman in his apartment building sparks something in Perdu, who sets off on an exciting adventure to find the woman who got away.
What readers are saying: " The Little Paris Bookshop is a gem of a story written by Nina George. My book club chose this novel and the title drew me in immediately. I love to read any book written about or set in the City of Light. The bookshop referred in the title was a very unique bookshop — it was a barge moored on the Seine, filled with all sorts of books, as well as its proprietor, Jean Perdu, and two cats. Jean Perdu (Lost John) is a 50-something man who prescribes books to people to cure what ails them. Be it relationships, loves, family issues, politics, or work, Perdu knew the exact book to aid his customers in their quest for something they needed to heal or advance their lives."
Undeniable Parisian charm and romantic teen angst abound in Stephanie Perkin's Anna and the French Kiss . When Anna is sent from Atlanta to a boarding school in Paris, she's not exactly thrilled. Leaving behind her best friend and a potential love interest, she heads off to The City of Light with low expectations. At school she meets Étienne St. Clair. Étienne is dashing, irresistible, kind — and already taken by a long-time girlfriend. As the school year continues, Anna and Étienne explore a friendship…and try to ignore the blossoming feelings of something more.
What readers are saying: "Stephanie Perkins created something very special when she wrote Anna and the French Kiss ," says Melissa D'Agnese , Woman's World Senior Editor. "It's one of my absolute favorite contemporary Young Adult novels. You really feel the feelings of the characters — from the butterflies to the tears — and it's a story that stays with you long after reading it."
Set during the years following the French Revolution, this classic novel centers on escaped convict Jean Valjean as he tries to become a respected member of the Paris community. The tale follows Jean along with the personal stories of its other main characters: Fantine, Cosette, Javert, and others. A moving and timeless tale about good deeds, love and second chances.
What readers are saying: "I read this classic book after first falling in love with the movie," says Carissa Mosness , Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. "And it did not disappoint! The book was so atmospheric — I felt like I was standing in Paris as I read the heartbreaking, beautiful prose."
This sweet and swoon-worthy story is perfect for fans of Josie Silver’s One Day in December. When Hannah and her boyfriend, Simon, set out to Amsterdam for his sister’s wedding, they had no idea their train would divide in the middle of the night. One half continues to Amsterdam and the other half travels 300 miles away to Paris. Hannah is left to wander Paris without Simon or her suitcase. Her other problem? Léo, the irritating yet handsome Frenchman who blames Hannah for his own delay. As the two gallivant around the City of Light, Hannah wonders if this detour was actually fate.
What readers are saying: " This novel is a fun read that transported me to Paris. I was glad to see Hannah grow as a character and find her strength all while falling in love."
Keep scrolling for more books set all over the world!
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