Member Reviews
The time period of this story was interesting to read about. And, the romance aspect was intriguing.
I enjoyed this historical romance.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Well, what can I say?
Really what?
I am torn, this book really appealed to me when I first set eyes on it, I was intrigued and thought it sounded like my kind of book - after all, I am a huge historical fiction fan, another reason why I was so taken with this book, yet I can't say I loved it!
I'm not sure what I felt about it, I could see where the story was going and I really hoped that the characters and the plot would eventually get to their destination but I'm afraid it didn't which is a real shame as there are some lovely moments, but sorry this one wasn't for me!
One Spring in Paris by Lewis Cox is a light, quick read. I love books set in Paris, but I did not fall in love with the characters in this particular book
A very romantic love story set in WWII Paris. Enjoyed it greatly.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
One Spring in Paris was such a beautifully written story. I honestly loved everything about it. The inside is just as wonderful as the outside of this book. I loved the characters, but I especially loved the setting.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for asking me to read and review.
This story was a wonderful read.
It is well written with some great characters and as a reader you feel you are right there with them. The plot draws you in and keeps you turning those pages.
A brilliant, heartwarming read.
When I read the blurb of this book, it sounded so sweet and romantic. Caroline works at Raoul's restaurant as a hostess. Being beautiful, she brings interest in the restaurant. I felt that she was very a one-dimensional character though. Not much substance. She seemed to always be mooning over Raoul and yet not coming to terms with her feelings for him. I did not feel that Raoul was a very likeable character, and quite honestly didn't see what she saw in him. He was almost emotionally abusive in that his moods ran hot and cold and he never really seemed to commit to her in one way or the other.
The characters pretty much seem to fall in love right off the bat. Their relationship was based mostly on their attractiveness. They didn't seem to have many conversations and when they did, they were argumentative with one another.
I would like to thank Lewis Cox, Sapere Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One Spring in Paris by Lewis Cox .
A story set in the fifties about Caroline an English art student in Paris who must find a job to finish her studies and stay in Paris . Raoul is the jaded owner of a very prestigious restaurant in Paris who is encouraged to offer Caroline a job by a mutual friend .
A beautifully written book very descriptive of the time it was set. However the story was a bit slow and repetitive and everything was cramped into the last quarter of the book. It would have made a better read if the story had been spaced slightly better.
I had high expectations before reading this book though an ok book especially if you want nostalgia of the time .
Good. Interesting characters and a nice romantic story. Nice descriptions of the scenery completes the story.
I am without words, and that's not a good thing. I can't quite figure out what I just read.
Here's the general gist: Caroline is living in Paris studying art, but her money is about to run out. Her roommate Fanny has the perfect solution. Fanny and George, her boyfriend, convince their friend Raoul to hire Caroline in his restaurant. They are convinced he will fall madly in love with Caroline and all will be well with the world.
Whatever. This was painful for me to read. I ended up skimming that last third, it was so bad. I just didn't understand. It felt forced and just plain strange. The characters were extremely one-dimensional. Caroline and Raoul's relationship is completely based on looks. Their actual interactions were awful and painful to read. I had hopes for a sweet romance, but instead was given a shallow story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for an ARC for my honest opinion.
One Spring In Paris is a romance novel by British author, Lewis Cox. In Paris, 1954, Georges judges his friend, successful restaurateur Raoul Pierre to be depressed, and diagnoses a need to fall in love. And he has exactly the girl for it. But Raoul is extremely resistant to the whole idea: he doesn’t need the complication of a woman in his life, and falling in love hasn’t been the best experience in his past.
But Georges cleverly comes up with a scheme that will allow Raoul to get to know the girl somewhat surreptitiously: Raoul should employ her at his exclusive restaurant, Maintenon, creating a position as a customer liaison person for her. Even if he still can’t agree that he needs a girlfriend, he can see that such a role could benefit his business, and Raoul is nothing if not the consummate businessman.
The girl Georges has earmarked for this scheme is his girlfriend, Fanny x’s roommate. Caroline May’s English aunt funded her study of art and languages in Paris, but that’s run out, so unless she gets a job, she’ll have to go back to England. Fanny wholeheartedly agrees that this will be a perfect match. One does wonder about friends who set up someone they profess to care for in this way.
Love at first sight. Neither Raoul nor Caroline believes there’s such a thing until they meet, but both are immediately struck. Given the dynamics of the situation, though, neither is displaying what is in their hearts. And it soon becomes clear that Raoul is a perfectionist, very focussed on detail. It’s not unreasonable, but it’s certainly a source of irritation between them. “There is no need for you to feel afraid of me. I may often be angry because I like perfection, and am impatient as a teacher, but I never bite.”
Aggravating the situation are two jealous observers: the young English accountant who would like to court Caroline; and Nini, who is Raoul’s efficient (and apparently, spiteful) secretary. It’s quickly clear to Fanny that Caroline is in love, but feeling rather desolated at the lack of any sign from Raoul that her feelings are reciprocated.
Written in 1954, the portrayal of some of the female characters as fairly independent might surprise readers, although maybe not when they realise that the author was female: Euphrasia Emmeline Cox wrote under a male pseudonym, perhaps to facilitate publishing at the time.
But Caroline does seem to oscillate wildly between principled self-reliance and bedazzlement by the admiration that her looks and Raoul’s beautiful dresses attract. Raoul is quite high-handed at times and has a touch of Fitzwilliam Darcy, managing to qualify flattery with detached business-like rationale. It is a bit overdramatic in places, and the ending is predictable (if slightly rushed), but this quirky little romance is still an enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Sapere Books.
I've been excited about this book since I first heard about it, and it did not disappoint. The characters sucked you into the story and the story kept you turning pages as fast as you could. I devoured it in a day. I loved it.
Whilst I have found myself reading many historical romances of late, I enjoyed the time period of the 1950s in the amazing city of Paris.
A sweet romance between wealthy restaurant owner Raoul and art student Caroline. This was a book that left me feeling happy, and reflecting on a time period where life seemed more carefree.
Definitely a story that will leave you feeling happier for having read it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the relationship triangle with this story but I felt it was a little rushed in parts.
I love a romantic book but I felt Raoul's cockyness was too much (maybe it was meant to be).
That said I did enjoy this book. I just love Romantic Chick lit style books (amongst other) and this one for me could have been a little more romantic.
I think the writer was aiming for a whirlwind romance but I'm not 100% sure.
I love the front cover of the book, it's beautiful and the title.
This book is simply wonderful ❤️ What could be better than a love story, set in Paris, between a rich aristocrat and the poor daughter of a Vicar. I adored Caroline and Raoul. They are characters that you can’t help but like, feeling excited for Caroline with her new job and watching Raoul fall head over heals for her. I don’t usually read romance but this one has all of the requirements to make your heart swell and put a smile on your face. I could easily picture myself in Paris, strolling across the bridge. While there wasn’t a lot of description in the book, it wasn’t necessary as the author quickly painted a picture with a few well chosen words. I was simply delighted reading this book. Thank you to NetGalley, Sapere Books and Lewis Cox for the chance to read this book
Another good read
Caroline is hired by Raoul to work in his restaurant after his friend advises him to find someone to love and thinks that he will fall for Caroline. Caroline wishes to stay in Paris so that she can continue with her studies and not have to go back home.
She enjoyed working in the restaurant and finds herself falling in love.
But one of the people who work for Raoul start to cause trouble for her and she also finds herself getting attention from Kit.
A lovely book.