I think what stood out to me the most was how strong Maggie was within herself. She knew when she deserved better and when to cut ties. Naturally, we see that she isn't as put together as she would like us to think. Smelly sweater? I think even the most absurd person might raise their nose at that, but honestly, it made me laugh. I adore the mature relationship she continued to have with her ex-husband. There was no hate, just a simple understanding that their time had run its course and her thoughts on real-life love outside of her romance novels. And her relationship with Max, the way it just kind of grew until it finally smacked her in the fact... well, let's just say it made me all kinds of happy and giddy.

*Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to receive an early ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

4.5⭐

This was such a charming read. One that I have been looking for out of a romance for a while. Maggie is an older heroine that is in a bit of a writing rut and is having a hard time finding a starting point for the third installment in her very popular romance book series. The third book in this series could potentially change her life, especially after another disastrous breakup with her long-term partner.

When she doesn't meet a deadline, her agent invites her to Paris to stay in his flat for free so Maggie can find her Muse. Maggie finds more that she is expecting: great food, a new found relationship with her daughter and a potential love interest.

I really loved this book. I read it within 24 hours and found myself laughing and wishing I was in Paris. I loved the descriptions of the food, the city and the magic that is always talked about when it comes to Paris itself. Maggie has a lot of people that love her and that want to see her succeed. They all understand her and are encouraging, which is always a pleasure to read about.

Even though Maggie is an older woman, she still makes mistakes, which was realistic and I thought was handled a little too quickly. But, Max is an extremely caring and loyal person which explains his understanding. I think Max and Maggie were a really good couple and complimented each other well.

Highly recommend to my fellow romance readers!

This was such a delightful book! I liked the setting of Paris and found it to be atmospheric. The plot was good and kept me engaged.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A departure from the tried and true romcons. Enjoyed the sense of place and the older protagonists. I felt like I was in Paris experiencing the sights and sounds and food!

Maggie is on a deadline to complete the third book in her best-selling trilogy. The words will not come. She has just ordered her boyfriend out of her life and her apartment and has too much on her mind. Her agent suggests she join him on his trip to Paris. Perhaps she can find her muse there. Maggie visits her daughter, Nicole, who lives in Paris and finds out her ex-husband is also visiting. Between her ex, Alan, and the son of the housekeeper, Max, someone is helping the words and actions flow. As much as she enjoys the comfort of Alan, where is the magic? Can she live out her golden years with him or does she need some excitement and how does Max really feel about her? The excursions around Paris are a delight and the food will make your mouth water. The novel gives insight into the trials an author goes through to hone their craft. Nicole has Asperger’s syndrome and the reader gains understanding of her interactions with others. Great book and a quick read.

Ending up loving this book more than I expected when I began the first chapter. Loved the characters and loved the setting! Felt like I was getting a pretty realistic account of France. Would recommend this to any of my romance-reading friends. The main character was older than the characters in every other romance I've read and I loved getting her perspective and experience!

Maggie is trying to write her third book of a trilogy. But with her deadline looming and with no inspiration she goes to Paris to find her inspiration.

I loved this book. She's middle aged, single and in Paris. Loved the romance between the characters. You know it's going to happen and the journey there was so sweet. Lovely uplifting, fun romantic comedy

Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book. It was a great read and I'm very appreciative.

This book had a lot of charming elements. The heroine was middle aged, which is a nice change of pace from many books in this genre. The characters were well developed and likable. But most of all, the descriptions of Paris were incredibly vivid and make me want to visit Paris NOW !! With everything going on in the world, this book provided a lovely escape and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A delightful romp through Paris with engaging characters. A fun story of an author up against a deadline, trying to find inspiration for the 3rd volume of a popular book series. With much riding on meeting the deadline, the author arrives in Paris for a change of scene and hopefully to find inspiration. Lots of romance, food, wine, and the delights of Paris. A charming quick read, perfect for an escape from this difficult time.

A lighthearted comedic romp! Great characterization, a wonderful Parisian setting and a writer facing a looming deadline makes for an enjoyable reading experience. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, and the culinary descriptions inspired me to add a trip to France to my bucket list.
I did not love the will-they-or-won't-they subplot between Maggie and her ex-husband.
Romance readers will find the slow burn between Maggie and Max quite satisfying.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. Opinions shared here are my own.

This is a quick read with humor. She's looking for her Muse to help her complete the final installment in her trilogy she's writing. Her editor suggests she join him and his partner in Paris. This was a quick read with HEA.









*****************I received an ARC for my honest opinion.***********************

This was such a sweet read, I loved the immersive feel of joining Maggie on her writing trip to Paris and falling in love with the city (and a resident) along the way.

I loved this book. I am so pleased that I was given a chance to review this prior to release because it's a beautifully written story about finding oneself, romance, and family. It's delightful, entertaining and the perfect vacation/beach read, especially if you're going to Paris!

I've never been to Paris, nor have I felt a strong desire to go to France, but this book has made me want to go! And badly. Which is really quite a shame because we're on lockdown here in Canada and no one is allowed to travel anymore. The way that Paris is written by Ms. Ernst is simply magical, in a way that's realistic and not so bubbly that it's cheesy or over the top. It made the book special.

The characterization for Maggie, Max, Alan and Nicole were all so well done. They all had so much depth, the book really wasn't just about Maggie's romance. The steamy scenes are minimal, but I would say it's still firmly in the adult fiction and romance category, with some mature themes. Overall, would definitely recommend!

Refreshing light read about a writer trying to overcome writer's block. I appreciate that the heroine is in his 40's-50's - unusual for the atypical romance heroine usually in her 20's-30's - and the setting will make you long for a trip to Paris.

It's fantastic if you're looking for something light and feel good, but for me it's not my cup of tea. The plot and setting are great, but I think it could've been tightened up more. The characters don't quite feel lively or natural. The groundwork is there, it just feels like it needs another draft.

I absolutely loved it! First of all, I'm mad that I cannot go to Paris. I'm also angry that I have no friends with a Parisian apartment. I would like to eat bread and I searched for the Reblochon cheese needed to make a tartiflette and it is very expensive and not available here. Alas, I guess my lot in life is to read about wonderful experiences and great loves. This was such a nicely written novel and I loved the characters. The setting is divine. It was exactly what I needed!

Are you in need for a feel good novel?? #' Maggie Finds Her Muse' by author # Dee Ernst could be your answer. It's fresh, fun and just like the cover delightful! The story is about a author and her adventures in Paris to finish her novel. Enjoy....
Thank you,
#Netgalley, # Dee Ernst and # Macmillan publishing for the advanced copy

Fun, light read! Nice to see a love story about older (40s and 50s) characters! I especially enjoyed the Paris scenes - so vivid! I'm ready to get on a plane and explore! (Damn Covid!)

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed Maggie Finds Her Muse so much!

Maggie is a middle-aged writer trying to write the last book in a trilogy - but she's totally uninspired. And her boyfriend sucks. Enter: Paris.

I was drawn in by the cover but was a bit nervous I might not vibe with the storyline... But this was less a book about a writer struggling to write and more about Maggie falling in love with Paris and considering next steps in her romantic life. Plus she's surrounded by a great cast of characters. And France! I absolutely loved imagining I was there too.

The synopsis calls this one a "delightful and feel-good novel," and I wholeheartedly agree. And, it passed the true test of my reading anything set in Paris: I was unable to finish the book without needing bread, cheese, and wine. Magnifique!


P.S. Safe sex isn't just for kids! My biggest critique: condomless sex, sans discussion about when each partner was last tested for STDs.

This was such a happy, feel good book! I loved Maggie and her writing process. Her daughter and friends were wonderful additions to the story as were the descriptions of Paris. I think I smiled my way through this book. It left me with such a warm feeling!

It's really refreshing to read to a romance novel (or any novel, really) about a woman who is not in her twenties or early thirties! I enjoyed this story of Maggie finding not only her muse but also herself.