Member Reviews

I always enjoy Rebecca’s books. The characters are interesting and feel like friends as their stories unfold. Coco moves back to Paris to live with her Parents after her life is turned upside down. Her teenage Daughter is not in agreement and makes life very difficult hoping to return to her friends back in London. This is not an option. We learn how Coco becomes involved in an amazing bookshop where the owner seems to have magical powers. There are many characters each having their own tale of heartbreak where several secrets are revealed. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it..

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I am so happy to have discovered Rebecca Raisin thank you NetGalley for her newest book The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted. This is a delightful modern-day romance that takes place in beautiful Paris mostly in a unique bookshop. The concept of this store is that the broken-hearted discover the bookshop and leave it transformed this is a lovely representation for the power of books. You want this shop to be real so that you can visit it! This book is for book lovers who love to read about books and a bookstore. There is a unique set of characters and a wonderful book club. Yes, the story line is a bit predicable, but it does not distract from the story, and it makes you cheer the characters on more.

For a great light happy read: add this wonderful romantic fiction novel to your 2025 TBR

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Rebecca Raisin has written a host of light romantic novels, some of them set in Paris, which she seems to know quite well.
This is a light romantic story about a quaintly charming little bookshop in Paris and a feisty solo mum who finds herself taking a job there when she has to leave London after her small publishing house goes under due to the fraudulent behaviour of her partner in business and life.
Coco is returning home in many ways, but her 13 year old daughter feels she is being ripped from her happy life in London and dragged over to Paris where she has no friends. Their mother and teenage daughter dynamic is a major influence throughout the following weeks and months.
For herself, Coco is instantly attracted to Henri who is a regular visitor to the bookshop, and its associated Book Club, but, naturally, the course of true love cannot run smooth in a romantic novel like this, so there are built into the story, nasty coincidences which seem to be going to keep Henri and Coco apart.
So, here you have it, the latest Rebecca Raisin in a nutshell...
Romantic and business disaster, picking up the pieces, rebuilding life , navigating parenting a tricky teenager, finding new friends...and new love, moving on and up.
The plot and the characters are all a bit sketchy and the story is very predictable, but I've read worse and readers of Rebecca Raisin will be delighted to read her latest novel, and those many readers of this genre could do a lot worse than pick up her books as a new author for them.
Thank you to Boldwood Press and NetGalley for an e arc of this title

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I really enjoyed this book. It was a light-hearted cozy slice of life book. The main character moves to Paris after dealing with a problem, there she finds friends and a lover. It was really interesting to hear how a character dealt with a new situation (moving).
I liked that I could cozy up with this book and just binge it. I really liked the author's writing style the most.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing an ARC of The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted in exchange for an honest review.

Highly recommend this perfect escapist read, once I started it I couldn’t put it down! Rebecca Raisin’s books always manage to grab you from the first page, and this heartwarming book is no exception.

Can a heart-broken woman swear off of love, in the city of love? Coco has lost everything and is forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris. Now an infuriatingly handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist right underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Storming away from him and swearing off men for life, she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

Coco stumbles into a little bookshop-but not any old bookshop. This one comes complete with a cafe, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a hint of magic in the air. Coco is offered a job but there’s just one problem… propping up the bar is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

The description of Paris was enchanting and the bookshop was just magical. There is a sweet slow romance but the story is so much more. This is about starting over not only for Coco but the rest of the cast of characters through the power of books. Absolutely enchanting!

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Coco’s life in London falls apart forcing her and her daughter to move to Paris.
This book deals with some life issues along with some romance thrown in. It also takes place in a bookstore that sounds like the perfect place to spend the afternoon.

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Thanks to the ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The story follows Coco who has been shunned from the publishing community in London because her business partner/boyfriend stole from authors under her nose. She flees to Paris to live with her parents with her 13 year old daughter who is less than thrilled to be moving.

I adore books set in a bookshop but this was not your typical bookshop. This one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a little hint of magic in the air.

This is my first Rebecca Raisin book. It was very sweet and an enjoyable read.

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Book Review: The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin

Rebecca Raisin’s The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted is a heartwarming, romantic escape that effortlessly transports readers to the charming streets of Paris. A story of second chances, self-discovery, and the undeniable magic of books, it’s a perfect read for those who long to immerse themselves in a feel-good love story set against the most romantic city in the world.

Coco is facing an incredibly tough time. She’s recently lost her boyfriend, her business, and is now uprooting her young daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris. To make matters worse, she crosses paths with an infuriatingly handsome stranger beneath the Eiffel Tower, resulting in an argument that leaves her swearing off men for good. But fate has other plans for her.

While exploring Paris in search of a fresh start, Coco stumbles upon a hidden gem – a quaint bookshop with an enchanting atmosphere, offering not just books, but a café, a cocktail bar, and a reading room with a touch of magic. When she is offered a job at this whimsical spot, it feels like the perfect opportunity to rebuild her life. But the last person she expects to see again is the grumpy stranger, who turns out to be a key figure at the shop.

Raisin’s portrayal of Paris is nothing short of magical, with vivid descriptions that bring the city’s charm and beauty to life, making readers feel as though they are walking alongside Coco through cobbled streets and cozy cafés. The bookshop itself, with its quirky features and the intriguing, mysterious aura that surrounds it, adds an extra layer of enchantment to the story.

Coco’s journey is one of personal growth, filled with humor, warmth, and some delightful twists. The chemistry between her and the enigmatic stranger, who isn’t quite as grumpy as he first appears, slowly builds into an adorable and heartfelt romance. While Coco initially wants to swear off love, she soon discovers that Paris has a way of working its magic – both on the heart and on her life.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Sarah Morgan, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted is a delightful mix of romance, charm, and a touch of Parisian magic. It’s an ideal read for anyone looking for a feel-good, escapist novel with a generous dose of romance and a pinch of intrigue.

In summary, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted is a beautifully crafted love story set in an enchanting Parisian backdrop. Rebecca Raisin’s knack for blending romance, humor, and heartache with a touch of magic makes this a truly captivating read. It’s the perfect book to curl up with and get lost in – a warm, delightful escape to the city of love.

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A cute little romance story mostly based in a bookshop! Coco and her daughter move from London back home to live with Coco's parents after some drama with Coco's job and life. I really liked all the characters and the friendships made between the book club members. They all look out for each other when needed. I'm not sure that Coco (one of the main characters) should have talked to the school about her daughter but it turns out to be a catalyst for other things. This is the first book I've read by this author and even though I don't normally read romance stories I would definitely like to read more of her books. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rebecca Raisin for the ARC which I received for free.

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After heartbreak, it’s hard to have faith in love, and Coco is no exception. This story follows 33 year old Coco as she tries to put her life back together for her and her daughter. She’s all about plans and facts, but magic seems to be pushing a way into her life… and her heart.
I fell in love with these characters and loved all their interactions — some tears even fell! And when the emotions are flowing, the stars come out pushing me to give this fun, light read 5 stars! Grab it as soon as you can!

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This was my first time reading a novel by Rebecca Raisin and it won’t be the last! Initially, the title and cover is what grabbed my attention, but I am equally impressed with her writing style too. While slow paced (compared to other styles I typically read), it was still steady as she has a way of captivating the reader with vivid descriptions, especially of the landmarks and culture throughout Paris.

Going in, I was only expecting a romance, but this was more than that. Yes, it is about motherhood, heartbreak and resilience, but it is also about friendships and self-discovery with some mystical elements. Thus, easily relatable (especially for millennial mothers, like myself, who do not understand the slang words from Gen-Z and who wear skinny jeans). I also loved the character development and how they complimented one another at the bookstore: more specifically CoCo who is very type A and organized, whereas Valérie is more laidback and free spirited. And who doesn’t love books including books, with the added bonus of getting insight into publishing/editorial worlds, and also the banter among the book club members! Overall, this is a super cute and cozy read, with powerful messages too. It would be a great read for springtime or even winter if you’re looking for something that isn’t so straightforward or your typical romance pick.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

*Book publication date: February 3, 2025*
*Reviewed January 15, 2025*

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Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood for the e-ARC of this gem! Readers, mark your calendars for February 3rd because this is the Paris book you’ve been waiting for.

There’s something about Paris that’s pure magic to me, and while I’ve always searched for a story that captures it, so many have fallen short—until now. The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted is a story of redemption, second chances at love, and a group of misfits who somehow fit together perfectly. It’s tender, heartwarming, and so beautifully written that the characters feel like old friends you can’t wait to visit again.

If you love stories of friendship, love, and Paris in all its bookish glory, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Also, it’s looking like Paris is bumped up on my list of cities to visit 🤩

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I love a good second chance trope! A soft romance set in Paris, Coco has lost everything. She has a chance encounter with a stranger, Henry, and she swears off men for good. She wanders into a bookstore and runs into Henry for the second time! I love any bookshop romance where you can feel how cozy and warm all of the bookshop customers must be through the pages. I also like how many of the characters had a backstory and added something to the book.

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The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted is an expertly written contemporary romance with a lot of depth, heart and humour. I was very impressed with the level of wisdom, charm and problem-solving skills seen in this novel. Many think romance stories are light and fluffy with little thought-provoking content but this is far from the truth. Rebecca’s books, and this one in particular, covers a number of heavy topics like bullying, partnership deception (business and romantically), emotional trauma caused by abrupt location moves, loss of support friends, abandonment, betrayal, long standing grief from the death of loved ones. Drastic changes can be detrimental to a person’s emotional health, no matter the age. This novel explores both the obvious and less expected effects when lives are up-ended, routines are interrupted and home and school locations are changed. A person’s sense of security can be lost and one can feel all at sea in their environment. This can result in bad or unusual behaviour as seen in Eloise, Coco’s daughter. Although Coco’s escape to Paris from London, provided the familiar support of her parents, it meant a loss for her daughter. Although she gained the presence of her grandparents, she lost everyone and everything else she had known and loved—including her closest friends.

When Coco is betrayed by her romantic and business partner, she is put in a bad position with her publishing company. After trying to make amends with her authors, she leaves London with her daughter and returns to her former home in Paris to stay temporarily with her parents until she can find a job and another place to live. In the meantime, she ends up in a tussle under the Eiffel Tower when a thief tries to steal from her. And a handsome stranger comes to her rescue only to accuse her of acting like a tourist when he discovers she has Parisian roots. When she stumbles across the Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted, she is taken with this unique shop and its unusual owner. On top of this, much to her dislike, she discovers the rude stranger Henri that she met at the Eiffel Tower is a frequent visitor to the shop.

After a few visits to this special bookshop, owner Valerie offers Coco a job. Coco is thrilled as she thinks it might be fun to work in a bookstore. She is an editor and loves books so how hard can it be! She learns quickly this shop is run in a very different way than she is accustomed. But it is an intriguing magical social place where booklovers with broken hearts hang out and receive words of guidance and wisdom from Valerie. There’s a cocktail bar, book tunnel, special reading room and a book club with fiery members. This work experience proves to be a good distraction and a means to save money for a new home. The job helps restore her confidence and gets her back on her feet. While she gets to know many of the regular customers, there are numerous humorous moments and some uncomfortable ones, too. Especially when she is forced to get to know the grumpy stranger, Henri, that Valerie is determined to match her up with. Coco has sworn off relationships after her last fiasco, but can she keep up the wall of resistance against this handsome Henri who is quite different from what she expected? There are surprises along the way as they get to know each other, amid the challenges Coco faces with her daughter, too. There are disturbing social issues at Eloise’s school that keep Coco teetering on the edge. What she eventually learns will shock and upset her and make her take a second look at how she sees the world and those closest to her.

There are a number of excellent supporting characters that keep the story lively. Problems are identified and solutions found and a second chance at happiness is definitely on the cards or in the books for not only Coco but others in the cast! I truly enjoyed The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted with its witty dialogue, likeable characters, wonderful bookish atmosphere and romantic Parisian setting—all delivered with utmost skill and maturity. For me, this was a delightful surprise that reminded me of Emily Henry’s books and even a bit of Rebecca F. Kuang’s Yellowface ( in its style of wit and publishing world happenings). I highly recommend Rebecca Raisin’s new novel as I am sure readers will love what it has to offer. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

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I received a free copy of, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted, by Rebecca Raisin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Coco has moved back home with her parents and daughter, in Paris, after losing her man and her job. Coco has got a new job in a bookstore, but her daughter Eloise is not happy in Paris. This was a good read.

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Hooked by the title, with Paris and bookshop in the same sentence! I enjoyed this story about a woman with a teenage daughter who has had her life turned upside down in London. They return to Paris to live with her parents and start over. Friendship, love, hope, second chances.

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This is a charming romance novel with some loveable characters. And a bookshop is an important part of the story!

Coco has to windup her job and home in London and move to Paris (as she will have the support of her parents there). She has been cheated by her boyfriend and colleague Alexander. Coco has a 13-year-old daughter Eloise from a previous relationship. In Paris, she is saved by a man from her purse and phone being stolen. He berates her for not paying attention. Irritated, she offers him no thanks. Coco’s friend Valerie owns a bookshop – ‘The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted’. Valerie explains that many who want to rediscover the way forward in their lives frequent the bookshop. Coco starts working at the bookshop, and she is asked to run the book club which meets weekly. It turns out that Henri, her rescuer, is a frequent visitor. Eloise is having a tough time adjusting to school in Paris, and complains of being bullied.

The story is simple & very predictable – relying mostly on the characters. The characters are all good – Coco, Henri, Valeria, and others who frequent the bookshop. The pain of moving comes across strongly, even more for Eloise as she misses her friends in London. The place for much of the conversations among the characters is the bookshop – well, no book lover can complain about that! I would have liked a little more novelty in the story – but this is a nice relaxing read.

My rating: 3.5 / 5.

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It took me a while to get into the writing style. The main character did a lot of explaining. The characters were well drawn and the idea of The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted is lovely. However, the romance wasn't very romantic. I was hoping for more. The relationship between the mother and daughter was more emotional and real.

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Its like NetGalley just knew I was planning a trip to Paris! I loved this book. Such a different style romance that I am used to reading. Thanks Netgalley and Boldwood Books

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The perfect vacation read. This author never disappoints with fantastic settings, quirky characters, love and hopefulness. Coco has to leave London with her daughter Eloise after her business and romantic partner defrauds her, leaving her without a job. Coco and Eloise move in with her parents in Montparnasse, Paris. Coco happens onto an unusual bookshop where she finds a job and friendship. There is a touch of magical realism, as well as an ode to editors, readers and writers. Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

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