Member Reviews
The premise of this book is so exciting for literally anyone who loves books like
a bookshop that cures broken hearts??? with a leaning wall made of books??? and a book tunnel??? sign me up right now
this is more chick-lit than a closed-door romance.
Coco is a single mom who has to uproot her life in London when both her personal and professional lives go up in flames. She's an editor that came to Paris and started working at the bookstore. Her daughter Eloise is so eugh I can't even. She's sad about leaving her home and does some questionable things to force her mom to leave Paris.
Some aspects I didn't like were:
the dialogue felt way too long and forced (No french person talks like that)
the last part of the book was rushed and the whole victim blaming wasn't talked about enough by either Coco or Henri. I just didn't feel a connection but would absolutely recommend for a one-time read!
*Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC
I absolutely adored everything about this book; it was the perfect quick romance I needed to lift my spirits up.
The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted starts off with Coco, a former editor having lost both her partner and her business, moving back to her home of Paris with her thirteen year old daughter. On her first day back, even after swearing off love, she bumps into a stranger who happens to be the most beautiful man in her eyes... just for him to yell at her!
However, Coco finds the cutest bookstore ever. She's even offered a bookseller position within the shop, making it the perfect job. The only problem is that handsome stranger from earlier? He frequents the bookstore.
Navigating a new path in her life, complete with a moody teenager, Coco finds her own love story within The Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted, mending multiple hearts along the way.
I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!
What a great book! I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. The author has such a good writing style. This was a first for me by this author but will not be my last! I enjoyed the characters. They had good chemistry.
Book Preview and Review: The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin
Rebecca Raisin, a beloved author known for her charming, feel-good romances, returns in 2025 with The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted, a heartwarming and escapist novel set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris in springtime. This book promises to deliver all the hallmarks of Raisin’s storytelling: lovable characters, romantic tension, and a setting that feels like a dream come to life.
A Story of Starting Over
At the center of the story is Coco, a single mother reeling from a series of life upheavals. Having lost her boyfriend, her business, and her sense of stability, she’s forced to return to her parents’ home in Paris, a city she associates as much with heartache as with beauty.
Coco’s life takes a turn when she encounters a gruff yet undeniably attractive stranger under the Eiffel Tower, leading to a hilarious, tension-filled exchange that sets the stage for their eventual connection. Determined to move forward and swear off romance, Coco stumbles upon a unique opportunity—a job at a magical bookshop that’s part literary haven, part Parisian café, and part enchanting mystery.
Of course, fate isn’t done meddling, and she soon discovers that the infuriatingly handsome stranger from earlier is a regular fixture at her new workplace. Sparks fly as the two navigate their undeniable chemistry, all while Coco embarks on a journey of rediscovery, healing, and learning to open her heart again.
A Bookshop Lover’s Dream
The setting of The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted is a bibliophile’s fantasy brought to life. Raisin’s vivid descriptions of the bookshop, complete with its cocktail bar, reading room, and secret tunnel of books, make it a character in its own right. The addition of a hint of magic in the air adds a whimsical charm, elevating the story from a simple romance to an enchanting experience.
For readers who love books about books and stories that take place in picturesque literary settings, this novel delivers in spades.
Themes of Love, Resilience, and New Beginnings
While the romance between Coco and her mysterious stranger drives the plot, the novel also explores themes of self-discovery and resilience. Coco’s journey is one of rebuilding—not just her career or her relationship status but her confidence and sense of self-worth. The story gently reminds readers that love often finds us when we least expect it and that sometimes, the hardest parts of life can lead to the most beautiful new chapters.
Characters That Shine
Rebecca Raisin has a knack for creating characters that feel like friends, and Coco is no exception. Her wit, determination, and vulnerability make her instantly relatable. Her dynamic with the grumpy stranger-turned-love-interest (likely to be revealed as a deeply caring, secretly swoon-worthy hero) offers plenty of sparks, humor, and slow-burn tension.
Supporting characters, such as Coco’s parents and other bookshop employees, are sure to add warmth, humor, and depth, creating a vibrant community around Coco as she finds her place in the world again.
Comparisons and Appeal
Fans of Emily Henry (Book Lovers), Abby Jimenez (The Friend Zone), and Sarah Morgan (One Summer in Paris) will feel right at home in Raisin’s charming, romantic world. The blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth makes this book a perfect escape for readers looking for a feel-good story with just enough tension to keep them turning pages.
Strengths
Idyllic Setting: The magical, book-filled Parisian backdrop is richly imagined and utterly captivating.
Relatable Protagonist: Coco’s struggles and journey of growth will resonate with anyone who has faced life’s unexpected detours.
Romantic Tension: The love story strikes the perfect balance between tension, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Feel-Good Factor: The novel offers an uplifting, comforting escape without being overly saccharine.
Potential Weaknesses
Readers who prefer fast-paced, plot-heavy novels might find the book’s focus on atmosphere and character development slower than expected. Additionally, the inclusion of magical realism elements in an otherwise grounded romance might not appeal to everyone.
Final Thoughts
The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted is a delightful and enchanting tale of second chances, set in a dreamy literary haven that readers won’t want to leave. Rebecca Raisin has crafted a story that celebrates the transformative power of love, books, and resilience, offering an ideal escape for anyone who dreams of Paris and believes in the magic of a new beginning.
Rating: 4.5/5
Highly recommended for lovers of romantic comedies with heart, fans of bookish settings, and anyone who wants to spend a few hours falling in love with Paris, love, and the magic of starting over.
The book is about Coco who had some struggles while living in London. She lost her boyfriend and her business. She and her daughter moved back to Paris and lived with her parents. Coco stumbled across a bookshop. The bookshop has that bit of magic and has a cafe, reading room, cocktail bar, and other things. Coco was offered a job there. While working at the bookshop she stumbles a guy.
The book is a good read, especially for book lovers due to the fact it has scenes about books and other things. Also, the book tells that you had to start over with your life, managing things like Coco who’s a single mother and working, and support.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read this book and do a review.
A woman and her teen daughter are uprooted when the woman loses her job and must move back in with her parents in Paris. She gets a job at a bookshop, but deals with a discontented daughter who misses her friends, and wants to go back to England.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin.
Rebecca Raisin is one of the few authors on my auto-read list. She never disappoints, and this one.is quite special with a special sort of magic.
Great book! Believable characters. The plot was engaging from the first page. I couldn’t put the book down.
I had never read a book by Rebecca Raisin before, but the title, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-hearted intrigued me. The description of the setting ( Paris in the spring and bookshop) drew me in. I was not expecting such a well-written novel, that is a romance, but also quite a bit more.
Publisher, Coco Chevallier, returns to her parents’ home in Paris after a disastrous love affair and business fiasco. In tow is her 13 year old daughter Eloise. Since her professional reputation is in ruins, she gets a book adjacent job in a bookstore that is downright magical. Our heroine is smart and resourceful, so even though her life has imploded, we know she is going to do all right.
The scenes with her daughter are mostly very humorous. There is a bit of drama too as the 13 year old is very unhappy about leaving her London life. But Coco’s inner life in dealing with her daughter, along with her interpretations of all the parenting books read, are hilarious.
The descriptions of Parisienne neighborhoods and food are quite lovely, and the romance has a somewhat meet cute and an enemies to lovers vibe. And of course, because of the bookstore setting, there are conversations about writers and books.
I ended up staying up late to finish this book in one setting. It was an absolute delight!