Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of, "The Paris Novel." I knew from the moment I read the description that I could not wait to read this book and it certainly didn't disappoint. I was captivated at every turn, and it felt like this book was written specifically for me: from the indulgent food descriptions to almost magical feeling surrounding the artistic mysteries. This book is a constant reminder that while life can be dark, joy can be found anywhere if you're open to it.. I was swept away in the romanticism of the city and the people the author wrote into it, and the historical fiction aspect made me nostalgic for places I've never been.

4.5. I really enjoyed this book. Stella, very timid women goes to Paris, due to her narcissistic mother dying and requiring her to go to Paris in her will. I enjoyed seeing Stella come out of her shell. The descriptions of art, food, and Paris were delightful. Highly recommend.

I loved Ruth Reichl’s Garlic and Sapphires, particular the way she wrote about food, so I was thrilled to learn she had a forthcoming novel set in Paris. It felt tailor made for me. And while I think her writing style does lend itself more to memoirs and food reviews, I enjoyed this little journey nonetheless. It has me itching to cook and return to Paris. What a beautiful world Ruth depicted!

A delightful books that was easy to read and fall in love with Paris all over again. Ms. Reichl's writing is always on point when describing food and experiences. The characters in the novel are so well described, I believe I could recognize them on the street. The descriptions of the foods made me hungry to cook and eat! My only criticism would be that I wish the book had been longer and not necessarily because I wanted more( I did), but because I think the book could have been longer without losing focus. It almost feels like a novella, rather than a novel.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Paris Novel started out slow for me, in fact I started it and then thought I wasn't going to continue. But I'm so glad I did! The Paris Novel is the story of Stella coming of age and discovering who she is. I have never been to Paris but the descriptions of the neighborhoods and villages that Reichl describes makes me feel as if I have been. And don't get me started on the food! Everything was written so beautifully that I could practically smell the food through the book. I loved learning about some new foods and new combinations that I never would have thought about. If you love food and Paris I think this is a wonderful book to immerse yourself in.

Note: I plan to post my review to Goodreads and other platforms closer to the publication date and recognize that the book may change before then!

I loved this novel! It drew me in and I stayed up far too late a couple of nights because I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the descriptions of Paris, the characters, the food, the clothes, the architecture. I felt like I was there and eating amazing meals! It reminded me very much of my time in France, and I can see myself returning to this book again and again as a comfort read/escape. The book is fiction, but in the author’s note, she mentions that many of the chefs, restaurants, meals, and art are based in reality. I loved learning that fact, and it made me appreciate the book even more!

My main pause to recommending the book is fairly explicit child sexual molestation in Chapter 2. I would skip over that chapter in future reads, and will be sure to let anyone know I recommend it to that the content is there. I do understand the importance of the trauma to main character’s actions and reactions, but I didn’t appreciate how specific the incident was in the book. I think the book would read just fine without it. This wouldn’t be a problem for everyone, and I absolutely loved the book otherwise.

I would highly recommend this, especially for people who love Paris, France, food, and fashion. It really is a lovely escape/journey!

This was a glorious coming of age story and a rewarding read for anyone who loves Paris, loves food, yearns for a warm family and appreciates a well written novel.

I loved every aspect of this book.

I loved reading The Paris Novel. Ruth Reichi is a well-known food writer/editor, and while food does play a major part in the book (write what you know?), it's not the main part. The main character, Stella, after inheriting a bequest that specifically asks her to spend the money in Paris, learns that food (and life) can be enjoyable, not just endured, as it was while living with her mother. Food and new friends help her find her way and her true family as she learns to live and trust in Paris. Stella and all the major characters are believable and come alive on the pages. I highly recommend The Paris Novel.

A wonderful read great characters delicious food .I traveled from my armchair to Paris thanks to Ruth Reichels delightful writing.Ruth never feels to keep me entertained and turning the pages this novel is my latest favorite.#netgalley #randomhouse

Warning- sexual assault involving a minor early in book

The sexual assault in the very beginning of this book completely ruined this story for me. This was a shame because otherwise, the luscious descriptions of food were typical Reichl style and the rest of the story was decent. Probably my least favorite book from this author.

Heads Up/Warning: not given in the blurb - an upsetting and very explicit child sexual abuse takes up most of the second chapter. I'm no prude but I found this highly upsetting! It could have been alluded to or toned down and the reader still would understand the impact it had on the primary character. I had nightmares about this chapter and have decided not to finish the book (and this one of my fav authors) because I don't want any more nasty surprises. Because of this, it gets one star from me.

A novel from Ruth Reichl set in Paris—what could be better!
A complete delight--the writing, the characters, the setting.
And the Author’s Note is an added treat.

With thanks to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for this e-ARC!

Wow- what a perfect read to allow me to escape into the beauty of Paris, a mouth-watering food scene, and unforgettable characters! I loved the creative storyline and rooting for Stella as she took risks and followed her heart.

I want be gallivanting around Paris in a Dior dress eating oysters! Such a fun and cute read

Trigger warning: child molestation

Thank you NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my review!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. The Paris Novel is a story about Stella, who’s let life pass her by and is semi-haunted by memories of her estranged mother. But, when her mother passes away and leaves her with a ticket to Paris, her life takes a fun turn and she has fantastical new experiences, meets a host of exciting people, and takes some wonderful leaps of faith.

This is a beautiful story about the unexpected pleasures of life and what happens when you open yourself up to new experiences. I am a sucker for any book set in Paris and Ruth Reichl really brings the reader straight there. I appreciated the many references to actual locations and the fleshed out Parisian characters she encounters. We were very much in Stella’s shoes throughout this trip and I was rooting for her to find some fresh meaning and excitement in her life, despite her initial reluctance. I also think it’s worth mentioning how absolutely spectacular the author describes Stella’s newly discovered passion for food and just the overall thoughts that she has while eating these dishes. I’ve never read a book that places so much emphasis on describing a characters culinary experience but, it is so well done here and I think appropriate for a book set in Paris! This book was well written and enjoyable to read, I was able to finish it quickly!

I would recommend this book to any Paris lovers or fans of self discovery fictional novels! If you’re in need of a trip abroad, this novel will certainly give you a visceral feel of Paris and will make you feel like you’re living vicariously through Stella!

Sigh.

Did this really have to end?

I savored every word of this. I am always partial to Ruth Reichl’s writing, but this book just takes you away and lets you disappear into its own beautiful world.

A little bit “Midnight in Paris” and a lot about food I can only dream of eating, “The Paris Novel” is dreamy.

Thank you, Ruth, for this gift of a book!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow.

Unlike Reichl, I do not have the beautiful, descriptive words to tell you how much I loved this book. I am blown away. I don't even like oysters and this book makes me want to taste them.

I was swept away and transported into Stella's life by this novel. Each smell, emotion, taste, and sight were vivid for me. Currently, I am experiencing a feeling of Fernweh (farsickness). Never having been to Paris, I can see the streets, smell the butter, and feel the longing for inclusion. I can feel the heaviness of the stories the old books hold at Shakespeare and Co, and the determination to find more about Victorine. I can picture Jules' bright eyes, and feel the skepticism and joy Stella feels in meeting him.

Though it begins (and remains to some extent) very heavy, this book is one that will change the way I see the world for a long time. Definitely will read again. Thank you for writing this beautiful novel Ruth Reichl.

Imagine meeting Baldwin the author, in his prime. The famed Richard Olney, cooking for and with you in his modest cottage. Eating in Alain Passard’s restaurant before the lines wound around the block. It is these moments, the description of the meals alone are worth the price of this newest novel from celebrated Ruth Reichl. Stella had a famous or infamous mother Celia, a mother who Stella didn’t know , a mother who insists in her will that Stella take the money she leaves her and she is to spend it all in Paris. Stell leads to this point a solitary, ordered life. She eats the same thing day after day, devoid of spice, imagination or inspiration. Reluctantly Stella compiles, bringing her schedule and discipline with her. Once in Paris, the city of light , weaves its magic, and Ruth takes on an this magical tour in the guise of a mystery, A muse of famous artist,Henri de Toulouse- Lautrec, Matisse, the muse becomes an artist in her own right , outshining the male counterparts. It is one of her paintings that acts as the catalyst for and adventure in food , fashion and life. The reader is privy to meals that are with out parallel. It is a treat to the heart and the stomach. I was so thrilled to read an early copy of this adventure into a world of food, words and wisdom. Happy reading

The way I would describe this book such as a painting is color. When Stella "lived" in New York, her life was bland as she ate the same foods, immersed herself in work as a means not to have a social life and followed a strictly regimented schedule. Even when she first went to Paris, a city full of magic, did she carry on the same existence. It is only through the chance encounter with Jules did she begin to shed that persona and emerge as the person she was meant to be. She discovers color and the richness and taste that surrounds it. Like Victorine in her work and as a model in the paintings, Stella did not let how she behaved in the past and the emotions surrounding it further define her. One of the best lines is how first she discovered Victorine, then her father and her calling which thanks to all of that, she was able to fall in love. Like the restaurant her and Django created, her senses were heightened and food was there to be enjoyed. All of the characters in this book were very eloquently captured and I found this book to mirror why people go to Paris and fall in love with it. Celia truly gave Stella a gift and she realized she was made for beauty such as the Christian Dior dress.

The Paris Novel was exactly what I needed to read. I felt like I had been transported back to Paris. The story centers around Stella, a women who comes into her own and creates a family in a new country while discovering herself. The novel was a quick and pleasant read; the description of food and wine was impeccable.