Loss and grief is a big part of this, but ultimately Chelsea finds herself on an epic path of self discovery. When her father announces that he is getting married to a woman he has only known for 2 weeks, Chelsea just absolutely cannot get past it. She cannot feel any happiness for him and believes he is making a huge mistake. She realizes that she needs to find happiness in herself, since she hasn’t felt it since her time traveling through Europe years ago.

Deciding to go back, she encounters her ex boyfriends to see if she can get that woman back. Ultimately, she learns that the most important things were right there in front of her all along.

This was fun but predictable. I definitely enjoyed the outcome.

I love this book cover: the Eiffel Tower, Paris in the title, and some of my favorite colors…it’s an eye catcher.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” am I right? That is what I thought when Chelsea finally has her escapade in Paris for a few reasons but I will keep them to myself in the essence of being spoiler free.

I like to think of this one as a young adult book with a dash of spice. My favorite character was Knightley, you will probably agree. Happy Reading!

It's the kind of slow burn laugh out loud romantic comedy that involves multiple love interests. It was slow at first but as the story continues, I found myself loving the main character and relating to her. It was as if fate is playing with the her, each turn of a page brings unexpected story. If those scenes doesn't surprise you enough, just wait for the ending! You'll love it. It's the kind of cliche that's not so cliché after all. Plus, you'll get to tour Europe. Paris Is Always a Good Idea but finding yourself or love rather, is better.

This book had potential but ultimately was just blah. I think it would have helped to go all-out comedy or make it more introspective and explore the grief Chelsea is facing. Instead, it tried to straddle the line between comedy and serious, without really achieving either. There were no genuine laugh-out-loud moments, and any serious scenes were just underwhelming or insincere.
Paris is Always a Good Idea seemed like a good choice for a quick read – a fun trip around Europe, some tension with a coworker? I was just fine with some nice, forgettable escapism. But the last two chapters were ridiculous and honestly ruined the story for me. The end turned it from a book that was enjoyable to one I definitely wouldn’t recommend. (She just let go of all her grief, seriously? All it took was a hot guy to tell her she needed to move on? Smh)

This was a great piece of chick lit focusing on the gap year of Chelsea as she mourns. Her gap "year" actually is longer, but the journey is worth it. The author captured the essence of a woman on the brink of self-discovery and healing.

Seven years ago Chelsea Martin was enjoying herself in Europe visiting places such as Ireland, Paris and Italy. She had a carefree life with much romance in each country. Then, tragedy struck and she had to return home to her mother, who was dying of cancer.

This turned Chelsea’s life around. After losing her mother, Chelsea threw herself into her work as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Coalition. While everyone else was enjoying life, Chelsea wrapped herself in her job.

When her father announces he is remarrying, Chelsea is furious. He has only known Sheila for two weeks. Chelsea’s sister is thrilled for their father and adores Sheila, but Chelsea is having none of that. Her sister convinces Chelsea that her happiest days were during her European adventure and that she should retrace her steps to find happiness and love once again

Chelsea takes a leave of absence from her job and heads back to Europe in the hope that one of the men she fell in love with seven years ago can help her find love once again. Chelsea finds that life changes and love can turn up in the most unexpected places.

I have to admit, I wasn’t overly fond of Chelsea in the beginning. I thought she was too close minded to her father’s choices. I was also a bit doubtful about trying to relive something that happened seven years ago and expecting things to stay the same. Seven years is a long time.

As the story progressed, Chelsea began to grow up. I liked her more and cheered for her to open her eyes to what was right in front of her.

The title may be a bit misleading as only part of the story is set in Paris, but her trips to Ireland and Italy were equally as lovely. The author did a great job at transporting me through Europe with Chelsea. The scene at the Eiffel Tower is so sweet.

This book is a charming story of rediscovery, love and acceptance. There is sadness as Chelsea continues to grieve for her mother, but there is also hope for her future happiness. By the end of the book, I had tears in my eyes. It is a “feel good” type of read.


.

A romance about accepting love and your current self while searching for your old light-hearted past self. I enjoyed the Eat Pray Love aspect of seeking our your past but thought the writing wasn’t very strong. Some things I felt were a little rushed and unbelievable.

Chelsea Martin is in a rut. She’s all work and no play, and as her sister points out, hasn’t been in any kind of relationship in years. Seven years ago their mother died of cancer, and it’s like Chelsea stopped living as well. Things come to a head when Chelsea’s father announces that he is getting remarried. Chelsea is overwhelmed by the news and feels like her Dad is betraying her mom’s memory and basically tells him this, creating a very awkward and tense situation. A heart-to-heart with her sister afterwards convinces Chelsea that she really needs to do some soul searching. Since the last time she can even remember actually being happy is during her trip to Europe after college, she decides she wants to retrace her steps and see if she can rediscover the Chelsea she used to be.

Paris is Always a Good Idea follows Chelsea on this journey to self-discovery, and wow, what a journey it is! I don’t want to give away any details because her journey is best experienced knowing as little as possible up front, but I do want to share what I loved most about the story. Below are some highlights.

* * * * *

5 REASONS PARIS IS A GOOD IDEA IS A MUST-READ

1. Wanderlust. If you love traveling like I do and have been missing it fiercely because of the pandemic, Paris is Always a Good Idea is the perfect read for you. We not only get to travel to romantic and beautiful Paris as the title suggests, but as part of retracing Chelsea’s gap year abroad, we are transported to the lush countryside of Ireland and to an incredible castle and vineyard in Tuscany, in central Italy. The author does an incredible job of capturing the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of each location and bringing them to life. It’s as close as you can get without your passport and I loved following Chelsea on this journey.

2. Mamma Mia vibes. Okay, so maybe I’ve watched Mamma Mia a few too many times, but as I was reading this book, I kept thinking certain aspects of it reminded me of Mamma Mia. No, Chelsea doesn’t go to Greece and no, there’s no love child with three possible fathers, but still, Chelsea does go to Europe hoping to rekindle her heart by tracking down three hot guys she had fallen in love with during her gap year. The search for these three hotties leads to many awkward and hilarious moments for Chelsea, which is where my Mamma Mia comparison comes from. If you’re a Mamma Mia fan like I am, I think you’ll love this book too.

3. Emotional journey. It’s not all lighthearted fun and games though. Paris is Always a Good Idea also very much focuses on the emotional journey Chelsea takes as she tries to find herself again. Chelsea has been grieving for the loss of her mother for so many years now that trying to find her way past that grief so that she can live and love again is a tall order. As much as I enjoyed the humor of those lighter moments as Chelsea looks for her old boyfriends, I really loved having this emotional journey as part of the reading experience as well. It made for an all around satisfying read.

4. Relatable protagonist. Chelsea is definitely a character I found easy to relate to. So much of what she goes through are things many of us have gone through or probably will go through at some point. Burying ourselves in our work to avoid troubles in our personal lives, friction between family members, the loss of a parent, or even just feeling like we’ve lost some essential part of ourselves. She’s also relatable in the sense that she’s messy and flawed. Some of what she says to her dad when she learns he’s getting remarried was downright cringeworthy, but at the same time, the reaction felt very authentic, like drama I could imagine playing out in my own family.

5. Enemies to Lovers. Lastly, and perhaps the most fun reason of all, for all of you romance fans, there’s a fabulous enemies to lovers romance. I don’t want to give away any details on this, so I’m just going to say if you enjoy sparks flying, witty banter, and off the charts chemistry, you’re going to love this book!


Paris is Always a Good Idea is an emotionally satisfying read that will fill both your heart and your need to travel.

Goodreads: Oh my gosh y’all. This is one of my new favorites, ever.

My favorite sub genre of books is fiction that takes place across the world. Especially for a heart yearning to travel in the midst of the pandemic, this was the PERFECT read. I couldn’t put it down, and it made me laugh out loud and cry. This is such a special book. Please read it and enjoy it. This is one I will pick up time and time again.

Jason is precious, Chelsea is hilarious, and all of the characters are just so unique and I vicariously lived through them and their adventures. It leaves you with a wistfulness and a wanderlust and is just magical. What a book.

Instagram (reposted by Jenn McKinlay!”:

y’all. THIS. BOOK. mamma mia meets eat pray love makes for the best summer read ever!

paris is always a good idea (romance): ★★★★★

this was an immediate new favorite! it comes out tuesday and everyone should read it. my favorite sub-genre of books is romance that takes place all across the world. my little travelers heart fell in love with destinations thanks to reading, and now that i’ve been lucky enough to experience some of them, it’s so much fun to relive them through these characters.

after chelsea’s mom died from cancer, she throws herself into work at the American Cancer Coalition. when her dad decides to remarry (a woman he’s known for 2 weeks), she panics, and her family challenges her to let love back into her life. she decides to do this through reliving her post-college year abroad, which is the happens to be the last time she fell in love- with 3 men.

as she meets up with old flames in ireland, france, and italy, hilarious moments ensue that had me literally laughing out loud. her job keeps her on her toes during her leave of absence by sending a co-worker to accompany her to some foreign meetings with their biggest client, and let’s just say that maybe what she was looking for was there all along.

I laughed. I cried. I lived vicariously through Chelsea since traveling abroad during this pandemic is impossible, and it was everything I ever needed. I would LOVE to see this get made into a rom com movie.

this is now one of my all time favorites and I couldn’t put it down. I seriously can’t recommend this one enough, y’all!

thank you to @berkleyromance for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!!

Thank you Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the arc.

Chelsea was on her post college gap year in Europe when she received a phone call that nobody wants to get. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and Chelsea had to cut her trip short and go home. In the seven years since her mom passed away, Chelsea has immersed herself in work and went from the fun girl that fell in love THREE times in Europe to a workaholic that won't let anyone into her heart.

When she finds out that her dad is getting remarried (to a woman he has only known for two weeks!) she decides to go back to Europe to find her laughter again. She wants to find that girl that she was seven years ago, revisit her trip and the three men she loved all those years ago. Sounds like a good idea, right? Well on top of that, at work, she is trying to get a huge donation from a billionaire and is paired with her work enemy - an insufferable guy named Jason. I'm sure you can figure out where that will go, so I'm not going to give any spoilers.

This book will give you all the feels and incorporates some of my favorite tropes. Jason might be my new book boyfriend, too!

This is the first book I have read by Jenn McKinlay and I have to say that I quite enjoyed it. The plot was nothing complicated, it was just an easy romantic read. I wasn’t very fond of the main character at the start, she seemed a bit self-absorbed; however, once I kept reading I began to like her a bit more.

Chelsea has dedicated her life to her work. When her father breaks the news that he is going to get remarried, Chelsea does not take it well at all. A temper tantrum ensues, which is why it is hard to like Chelsea in the beginning. Her sister quickly confronts her and tells her that ever since the death of their mother, Chelsea has forgotten how to live and more importantly how to love. To remedy this, Chelsea decides to relive her year abroad traveling to Ireland, France, and Italy. For Chelsea, this was the last time that she felt happy. On her travels, Chelsea seeks out the men of her past and disaster after disaster ensues.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I don’t have a lot to say about this book. It’s the first Jenn McKinlay novel I’ve read. I’m a sucker for anything Paris-related (I studied abroad there in college), and during the pandemic, I’ve been trying to pad my reading list with a bit of lighter fare. It seemed like a no-brained to request an ARC of PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA. Unfortunately, I felt a bit disappointed having read it.

Chelsea Martin has let life’s trials weigh heavy on her. Nearing thirty, the most important thing in her life is her career as a fundraiser for a cancer research charity. When her widowed father announces he plans to remarry, she realizes how stalled her life has become and sets out to rediscover her old, adventurous self.

I think the plot of PARIS has a lot of merits. I think the writing style just got to me. There were just too many metaphors. Nearly every expository paragraph had an “as if” or “like,” and some of them were outrageous. About 40% into the novel, I started only reading the dialogue. I don’t think I missed much.

Chelsea and her love interest were fine. I didn’t swoon, but I didn’t dislike them either. Most of the characters were very lightly drawn. Not much substance to grasp onto. I did find it a little odd that everyone (including perfect strangers) seemed to love present-day Chelsea when she was supposed to be such a cold fish. Relatedly, what man from your early twenties would be so passionate about a reunion nearly a decade later? And for three of them to react this way? Even if you were the life of the party then, it seemed a little too fantastical to me.

I guess I had more to say than I thought. My overall impression of the novel was “okay” bordering on “meh.” Maybe fans of McKinlay’s style will be more appreciative.

This book is an absolute delight that had me flipping pages from start to finish. It's not really a coming of age story, Chelsea is almost 30 years old, though it does share a lot of the same qualities. It's really more of a re-awakening, a chance to recapture the joie de vivre (zest for life) that characterized Chelsea's life and filled her heart seven years earlier, before her year abroad was cut short with the devastating news that her mother was dying. She's convinced herself that if she revisits the three European cities where she was most happy, and the men she loved while she was there, that all will be well again. You know what they say about best laid plans...

McKinlay guides Chelsea through her journey with a deft hand, utilizing humor, emotional awakening, and a rich secondary cast to help her along the way. Romance does find its way back into her life but it arrives from the most unexpected direction, one I would not have predicted early on but with which I was fully onboard by the end. I loved how Chelsea evolved throughout the course of the book (she's not very likeable at the beginning), and her relationships, both romantic and familial, along with her. Her emotional life has basically been stagnant for seven years and that shows in her actions. I appreciated that the author took the time to gradually, and realistically, awaken her to those facts.

Not only did the author create characters who leap from the pages of this book but she did the same with the settings as well. From bucolic Irish sheep farms to the charming flats and glittering lights of Paris then, finally, the historic charm of a Tuscan vineyard, she brought them all to life and immersed me in each of the locations. If it weren't for this darn virus, I'd be booking flights right now.

If you're looking for a contemporary romantic comedy with humor, heart, emotional growth, and plenty of witty banter, plus the bonus of a virtual European tour (I swear I could actually smell the French pastries), I recommend adding Paris is Always a Good Idea to your summer reading list.

*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review

This is probably one of the best books I've read this year! Oh wow! Even after taking some time to digest it all, I'm still in awe over it. McKinlay did such a brilliant job of plotting out this book to be a non-stop adventure and of weaving together a whole cast of characters. It didn't feel rushed, or strained in any way, and was just so enjoyable.

I think if I could only use one word to describe this book, it would be 'surprise'. I was surprised from beginning to end in the best possible way. For some reason, I did not expect this book to be as good as it was. I don't know if it had to do with the synopsis or just me, but I was so surprised by how much I loved it. Also, the storyline continually surprised me. It was one big adventure in which I had no idea what was going to happen next or who I was going to meet. I loved it!

I loved all the characters I was able to meet. They were all so different and contributed to the story in many different ways. And I really loved the development of the main character. Once again, I was surprised by how the story ended with her, but not mad about it. It just felt right.

Lastly, the romantic moments in this book were sooooo romantic. I might have shed a tear or two in some parts because the moment was so glorious and beautiful that how could I not? It was just so perfect and swoony accompanied by swoony men.

Overall, this is a must-read for all you hopeless romantics out there. It has humor, spunk, and too many swoony moments to count. 5/5 for McKinlay.

REVIEW | PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA by Jenn McKinlay, release July 21st

Ireland, France or Italy: if you could pick one European holiday destination, which one would it be?

If your name is Chelsea Martin: why not all three? Seven years ago, Chelsea’s gap year in Europe was cut short because her mum’s cancer. She’s not coped well since her mother’s death and has drowned herself in her work at the American Cancer Coalition. When her father announces he’s proposed to his girlfriend of two weeks, Chelsea doesn’t react well. At the suggestion of her sister, Chelsea decides to go back to Europe to relive her adventure and rediscover her old self, the person who felt joy and was carefree. From the start of her journey nothing goes as planned though, but as Chelsea reconnects with her old self, she also finds love in the very last place she expected...

I really enjoyed this book. Yes, I found myself questioning the point of Chelsea’s trip and her meeting up with again her Irish, French and Italian ex-boyfriends from sevens years ago on multiple of occasions, but towards the end of the book it all started to make more sense. And yes, some of the ex-boyfriends were a tad bit stereotypical BUT I didn’t really care, because: JASON KNIGHTLEY. Jason is such a thoughtful and emotionally intelligent character and I loved his banter with Chelsea. I am sucker for well-written enemies-to-lovers banter and this book 100 delivered on that.

I highly recommend this book if
You’re in the mood for a really fun romance with plenty of heartfelt emotion;

You agree Paris is always a good idea and wouldn’t mind stopping off in Ireland and Italy as well;

You’re ready to meet your new favourite book boyfriend: Jason Knightley is IT. I loved how he helps Chelsea to overcome her grief and fill the part of her that’s been hollowed out by loss with lightness and love again.

Thank you @NetGalley, @jennmckinlay and @berkleyromance for sending me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Twists and Tropes
http://www.instagram.com/twistsandtropes

From the inviting cover to the tempting title, PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA by Jenn McKinlay is a sweet, feel-good romance! While cozy mysteries are my typical genre, I was drawn to this book because I’m a longtime fan of the author and she did not disappoint. As the story unfolded, I found it impossible to put the book down. The delightful settings of rural Ireland, romantic Paris, and a lush vineyard (complete with castle) in Italy, were effectively used as backdrops to Chelsea Martin finding her way out of a long bout of grief following her mother’s death. For readers who have experienced the loss of a beloved family member, the emotional content of the book is poignant and made me feel connected to the protagonist. Ms. McKinlay, known for her wicked sense of humor in her other series, brings some humor to this book to keep it lighthearted. She expertly balances the romance, the grief, and the humor into a well-crafted tale that left a huge smile on my face!

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing an advance copy.

There is always that one book that makes your heart feel warm and fuzzy. PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA is one of them. I really took to heart Chelsea’s character who went through great lengths to get over her grief, and eventually find the joy that is missing in her life.

Chelsea is going through some life difficulties - from the death of her mother to cancer, to her father remarrying and moving on with his life. I was captivated with the story line where to re-discover some things in life, you may have to look back and retrace your steps – for Chelsea, it was the time when she traveled to Europe during her gap year. I found it delightful to read about the beautiful Irish countryside, the elegant city of Paris and the charming Tuscany wineries.

I thought Jenn McKinlay was able to capture the human spirit of someone navigating loss and grief, while taking her readers along to a journey to find love in order to love and be loved again. Really enjoyed this one!!

Chelsea had planned to spend a gap year in Europe. Unfortunately, she was called home after just a few months when her mother became ill. Now, 7 years later, she discovers that since that magical summer (and her mother's death) she has eliminated love from her life. So, she heads to Europe to find the 3 men she left behind and her happier self.

Unfortunately, this title is wrong and Paris is NOT a good idea at the moment. Fortunately, this book is a good way to travel the world from home. I was excited to read about Paris when I saw the cover, but was even more excited to read about Ireland and Italy as well. These are 3 of my favorite trips and it was fun to read about familiar places.

Fun is the best word to describe this book. While it does discuss loss and has some heavy elements, the enemies to lovers trope is always fun. These characters were so relatable and I was so excited to see exactly what the happy ending would be.

I recommend this for anyone that wishes they could travel the world right now.

It's been seven years since her mother died, and Chelsea Martin still has parts of her life on pause as she grapples with her grief. When her father announces he's getting remarried, it throws her for a loop and pokes at parts of her life and heart that she'd been avoiding. Chelsea impulsively decides to relive a post-college trip that she took before her mother fell ill in order to try to find that elusive something she feels is missing in her life. Chelsea begins to reconnect with herself as she revisits Ireland, Paris and Italy, and she just might find romance waiting for her with someone unexpected.

The premise of Paris is Always a Good Idea makes it sound like exactly the sort of romantic comedy film that I would watch in a heartbeat. I was optimistic going into it, and can happily report that I really liked it! McKinlay's writing is very readable, her characters were likable, the romance was adorable and the story was funny and heartfelt at turns. But there are two things that really stood out to me about this one. First, I really enjoyed being able to travel vicariously through this novel. McKinlay does such a good job giving readers a sense of the places visited in the book, even with the limited amount of page time each gets. And second, I really liked that this story was primarily about Chelsea coming to terms with her own personal struggles. It felt really honest to watch her struggle with grief and anger, and to see her revisit the past and make note of the parts of it that had and hadn't changed. I particularly loved the juxtaposition of who Chelsea was then and who she is now, as that's always a character journey I appreciate reading about when it's done well. To sum it all up, Paris is Always a Good Idea is great, and I'd recommend checking it out.