Another triumph by Rebecca Raisin. This lady can do no wrong in the eyes of someone who really doesn't gravitate towards romance. She always manages to write characters that I can relate to and believe in. I loved the tumultuous relationship between Coco and Eloise, it felt very true to life and as always, the thing that draws me to Rebeccas books the most, the relationships between Coco and Valerie and the book club were delightful. There is always a strong theme of women supporting women which I adore.

I don’t often gravitate toward modern romance, and The Paris Bookshop for the Brokenhearted hasn’t quite converted me, but it had moments of magic that I genuinely appreciated. While the story stumbled in some areas, the enchanting setting and whimsical characters kept me reading.

The opening chapters were a bit difficult for me. CoCo, the main character, was hard to connect with at first. Her inner monologue felt overwhelming, and I struggled to reconcile her identity as a “planner” with her backstory, which leaned heavily on impulsive and chaotic choices. I found myself wishing for more subtlety in her characterization to make her journey feel more relatable.

The book truly started to shine once CoCo arrived at the Paris bookshop. Valérie, the shop’s witchy and whimsical owner, was a breath of fresh air. The “magical” atmosphere of the shop added depth and charm to the story, and it became easier to enjoy the book for what it was—a cozy, romantic escape.

That said, a few moments felt overly familiar. For example, the inclusion of Kintsugi, while lovely, felt a bit overdone, and the extended explanation of “cheugy” seemed unnecessary. These moments occasionally pulled me out of the story, but they didn’t overshadow the book’s more enchanting elements.

By the halfway point, the story found its rhythm. I especially enjoyed the subplot of Henri helping CoCo pick up book orders across Paris.

There was a small moment of confusion in Chapter 27 when a character called CoCo “Anais,” which threw me off, as Anais is another character entirely. This may have been an oversight or simply something I misread, but it was a minor distraction.

The twist involving Eloise’s school bully was a pleasant surprise, and the ending wrapped up with warmth and heart. The final chapters left me with a smile, which I think is exactly what the story intended.

Final Thoughts
The Paris Bookshop for the Brokenhearted might not be a perfect fit for every reader, but it has undeniable charm. The magical bookshop and Valérie’s character were highlights, and I found myself wishing the story had leaned even more into that whimsical atmosphere. While the pacing and structure could use refinement, fans of lighthearted, cozy romances will likely adore this book.

4.5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

The Paris Bookshop for the Brokenhearted swept me off my feet from the very first page. Rebecca Raisin has crafted a heartwarming, magical tale about healing, second chances, and love.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and I can confidently say it won’t be the last!

the characters:
- coco: our fmc is a single mom and hopeless romantic with a touch of delusion (in the most charming way!). after a rough patch uproots her life, she starts over in paris. her journey is relatable, and her determination to heal and rebuild her life was inspiring. i won’t say more because i have a tendency to spoil, but i really liked her!
- henri: a grumpy yet gorgeous journalist and single dad who initially butts heads with coco. their banter is entertaining, and their eventual connection feels organic and sweet—very realistic!
- valerie: the mysterious and magical owner of the bookshop. i absolutely adored her wisdom and the whimsical way she helped others find love through books. when we learned more about her backstory, i loved her even more!
- the book club: all the book club members were charming, but agnes especially stood out. she’s judgmental yet endearing, and the whole book club dynamic was a hit for me.


what I loved

- the bookshop: the concept of a magical bookshop with a café, cocktail bar, and secret tunnels is chef’s kiss. the idea that the brokenhearted find the bookshop and leave healed felt like a beautiful metaphor for the power of stories.
- paris setting: the vivid descriptions of paris created an enchanting backdrop. it made me want to pack my bags and wander the city streets.
- unique premise: the magical realism element was so well-executed. valerie’s ability to match people with the love they deserve felt like something straight out of a fairytale.
- eloise: coco’s relationship with her daughter was a highlight. seeing her balance her struggles with her fierce love for her child—and always going to bat for her—was heartwarming.
- the book club dynamics: the quirky group of book lovers added humor and warmth to the story. their interactions were a joy to read.
plot twist: there was a fun little twist i didn’t see coming, which made the story even more engaging!

what could be better:
corny ending: while the ending was sweet, it leaned a bit too much into the cheesy side for my taste. that said, it didn’t take away from the overall magic of the book.

this was the perfect way to start 2025! the paris bookshop for the brokenhearted is a feel-good, magical read that reminds us why we fall in love with books—and sometimes, with the people who share that love.

if you’re looking for a cozy, romantic escape with a sprinkle of magic, this is the book for you. highly recommend!

release date: february 3

Such a cute quick read.

Henri and Coco, both single parents, seem like they’re such a perfect match!

What a cute romance set in Paris!
I really liked the story about Coco, who for personal reasons move from London back to her parents in Paris with her daughter Eloise. We follow her relationship with her teenage daughter, who just wants to move back to London, her new job in the bookshop and the colourful members of the book club in the bookshop.

If you love books by Jenny Colgan, this would definitely also be one for you.

PR- As part of the cover reveal team for this book I was blessed with an advanced copy of the book so thank you Rebecca, Boldwood books and NetGalley.

Coco is having a hell of a month. She’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris, and 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.

Then, as if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles into a little bookshop – but not any old 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. So when Coco’s offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit.

There’s only one problem… propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

A book about finding yourself again and a little romance. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more by Rebecca. The writing flowed so well and each chapter has hidden bits that make the whole story cohesive.

I was enthralled by all the other characters too not just Coco and Henry. Everyone who came into the bookshop had a story to tell and who said broken hearts are only in the form of lovers? Each character has a backstory and added something to the story.

Everyone really needs to read this one, it is beautifully written, words woven together with thought and love. It’s based in a bookshop in Paris, who doesn’t love books about books and with a stunning backdrop? It was a perfect read.

This has to be on your 2025 reading list. It is out on the 3rd February 2025.

The Paris Bookshop for the broken hearted is such a delightfully warm read; and absolute piece of bookish escapism but it is also more than that. Within its pages we - the reader - are invited to join Coco not only on her journey of healing but on her journey of friendship and as the characters are so well written, we feel that they are our own friends and we champion each of them. We feel that we are part of the literary 'gang' and it certainly feels as though "nous appartenons" (we belong). What I also love is how Rebecca brings Paris alive for the reader and this is also a cultural opportunity of learning as well as being a wonderful read. Rebecca certainly knows how to encapsulate and engage her readers and this book does not disappoint.
Huge thank you to the publishers Boldwood Books for the opportunity of an early read via NetGalley

When you’re given a book to read in exchange for a review, the least you can do is finish it. Initially, I really struggled with this one and thought I had made a huge mistake by requesting this. But…. if you want to write a review, you need to keep going and I’m glad I did. After slogging through the first 15%, there was a pleasant change which kept my interest throughout the book.

What I loved:
The bookshop with all its quirks. Sounds like a place I’d love to spend some time. I used to be a manager in a bookshop in Vienna. It gave me ideas of what we could have done with our space. Favorite character: Valérie, who wouldn’t want her for a friend. Through the book club members and the teenage girls, the author clearly shows that everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes you just don’t know why people act the way they do. In between she liberally sprinkles some life lessons that we all should take to heart. Favorite line: “Grief is love that has nowhere to go.”

What I didn’t love:
One of the main characters has a real bone to pick with men. Not all men are the same. I am really turned off by her sentiments. Any human being would help someone out in certain situations, whether male or female and to then turn it around and make the man the bad guy is in poor taste.

There’s much more to it, but why mention it all when you can read it for yourself? If you can overlook the “men” statements and the monologue style beginning, you’re in for a wonderful treat. Get your tea and cookies ready and dive in!

Many thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a free complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book made me want to pack up and move to Paris in the hopes that I would find a job at a bookstore and fall in love.

But here I am, not in Paris but in love with this book.

I will say I did write down all the restaurant's so that I can visit them on my next trip to Paris.

This story follow coco who after heartbreak goes to Paris to restart her life.

She does, but in the process she finds healing. Great friendships, and a great love.

I absolutely love this story!

We’re going to Paris next weekend so this book landed at exactly the right time for me. I loved the descriptions of the arrondisments within the centre, the cute alleyways and the restaurants, bars and places of interest which were skilfully woven into this charming story - in fact Paris was an additional character in the book. This is a feel good book which is perfect for a cold winter’s day, snuggled on a sofa. I really enjoyed reading it.

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

Let me just say, Boldwood books does it again with another absolutely refreshing read that I didn’t even know I needed, but I’m so glad I found. There are so many lessons and stories converging here that depending on your perspective or personal perception, the takeaways of this novel are categorically endless! While there is a sliver of a love story here, we also have elements of great loss, perseverance, unity, friendship, and a touch of magical mystery that when all melded together, make for one truly inspirational read that I couldn’t bring myself to put down.

Rebecca Raisin pulls at all the heartstrings in this story of Coco, a single mother who is forced to leave London with her teenage daughter in tow and move back in with her parents in Paris while she watches the publishing firm she’s built from the ground up come crashing down, thanks to the illegal antics of her ex partner. In hopes of finding herself again, Coco accepts a job at The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted, where all lost souls convene for a drink with the eccentric owner, Valerie, and a literary phrase to light their path to help guide them on their way.

As you begin to meet the characters that frequent the bookshop, you begin to fall in love with each character for vastly different reasons and learning each of their personalities was such a grand adventure. At the end of it all, I just wanted the story to keep going. I wanted to cheer each of the characters on and learn how their story ended. This was truly the perfect book to cap my year with as it leaves you with such hope and determination to pave your own path in life, whatever it may be and no matter the obstacles that ultimately end up directly in your path. I highly encourage you to experience the journey for yourself when The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted hits shelves Feb 3rd. Truly an exceptional and moving read that can’t help but touch a place in your heart that will stay with you for the foreseeable future.

Wooooow this was such a great read and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Such a great read on the small impacts we make on people’s heartbreak and loss to start making them feel whole again.

Rebecca please I need a book on Agnes post divorce and ziggy with her Australian lover

Absolutely devoured 89% of this book in one sitting. I will have to reach out for more books by this author because it has been absolutely amazing to read.

Although at the start the writing seemed a bit description heavy, I grew to love it immediately. The writing runs smoothly and makes you want to keep reading and reading. Loved the structure of the book and its pace! Wouldn’t change one thing about it. The plot was amazingly thought out that with each chapter there are things you want to know more about but it all comes round in due course.

The book was such a cosy romance to read but not overly heavy on the romance either. A book about finding yourself again with obstacles thrown at you from every angle in your life. There was loads of inspiring quotes and food for thought along the way.

Amazing book, amazing plot, and amazing writing!

this was a lovely book set in a Paris bookshop, with an added romance.

I absolutely adored everything about this book. it was the perfect quick romance.

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 partner and 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 bookshop 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 in bookstore.

navigating a new path in 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.

The plot itself is endearing but I couldn't stand the characters in any form. They all felt flat and unrealistic to me, and the enemies to lovers trope didn't work at all. I find it hard to believe that the couples' exchanges during the enemies part actually led to them being lovers.

I love books about books, bookshops. This story was endearing and thoughtful. I loved it and would highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Coco Chevallier, a dual French and British book editor, has to return from London to Paris with her teenage daughter Eloise in reluctant tow to live with her parents because her boyfriend Alexander defrauded her and her business and damaged her reputation so that she is bankrupt and no one wants to work with her anymore.

She bumps into Henri, a grumpy journalist who berates her for getting herself mugged in front of the Eiffel Tower like a dumb tourist, which gets her hackles up. She flees into a quaint bookshop called The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted and meets charming owner Valérie who offers her a cocktail and a job. It's then she realises Henri is a regular. I have to say, enemies to lovers is not a trope I relish but it wasn't overdone here.

There is a lot going on in this book, making it an interesting and well-rounded read. It looks like Eloise is bullied at her new school by fellow pupil Léa; quirky but lovable members of an energetic book club like Agnes, Ziggy and book doctor Isidore cause havoc; there is a mystery about the unknown author of a popular book of poems; and where is Valérie disappearing to every day?

This is my fourth new Rebecca Raisin book this year and the third to take place in Paris, which is just such a great, evocative backdrop. I love how the bookshop is such a haven for book lovers, with a leaning wall of books, a cocktail bar with snacks, a secret book tunnel, and an upstairs reading area with hammocks, daybeds and beanbags. Plus the literary mystery brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the story.

"Reading is a portal into another world."

It is lovely to see Anais, a character from the previous book "The Little Paris Hotel" make a quick cameo appearance, tying the two books together, but I would have wanted to see Alexander properly brought to justice. Nevertheless, Coco's resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring.

All in all it's a well-written and fun, feel-good literary-themed read for book lovers with a pretty cover, that will make you wish you could visit The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted and let Valérie make you a personal cocktail and heal your heart with a book - one that is a love letter to books! Heartbreak comes for a lot of reasons but there is always hope.

"Not only does the bookshop cater for those with a broken heart, but also for lonely hearts, lost souls, the grief stricken, the star crossed. There’s a remedy for everyone."

4.5 stars

Not for me. I gave up at 15% because by then I didn't start to like the main character, nor her daughter, nor the man that would become part of the enemy-to-lovers part. Especially their exchange was a bit too much, almost hostile.

This book was not for me. I struggled to get into the story, and the characters felt one dimensional to me. The language, inner dialogue and the use of slang was off putting and I couldn’t get past it.

I appreciate the ARC.

Rebecca has done it again. She's delivered a beautifully written love story that has you hooked from the start!

I couldn't put this book down. I found it so fun and sweet that by the end I shed a few tears for the characters in the book.. It was emotionally engaging and I loved every minute of it.

Coco is a single mother who is struggling with a teenage daughter, while trying to find herself, some stability and enjoy a new reality that is her life. There are few side characters in this book that I loved but I think Coco is my favourite. She is so relatable, very witty and had me cackling at some of the things she says. If you're a mum or a dad of a teenager or pre teen, you're going to love her 🥰

I devoured this book in just a few days. I couldn't wait to get through the story but I didn't want it to end.. I love when books do that to me!