‘I’m not a believer in fate, the stars guiding us, the universe intervening, Cupid’s arrow or any of that kind of thing. Well, I wasn’t.”

Love! In my mind’s eye, Valérie was Glenda the Good Witch. I loved her quirkiness from the first day Coco walked into the bookshop.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Paris and a bookshop, what’s not to love! Another wonderfully delightful read from Rebecca Raisin, I do love the way she writes, so beautifully descriptive with a sense of place and always with such great characters, even the most unlikeable ones , even they have their place. Loved it and highly recommend.

Rebecca Raisin does it AGAIN. A beautifully charming romance that wrapped me in a warm blanket of second chances and the transformative power of friends, family…and books.

Set in Paris, this is as much a love letter to literature and writers as it is the city itself. Raisin excels at creating realistic and vivid settings, making you feel like you’re actually there yourself as you follow along with the characters.

Soft romance (is that what it’s called?) is my thing, it’s my jam. Coco and Henri’s relationship is a slow burn (an utterly cute one, might I add), but what makes The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted a winner for me is that Raisin hasn’t just focused on the two main characters – I also found myself engrossed in the broken-hearted stories of her daughter, Eloise as well as bookshop owner Valerie and all the members of the shop’s book club.

Because who ever said that a broken heart only came from a lover?

Raisin has captured the tender balance of heartbreak and healing perfectly, so if you’re looking for a beautiful story of a woman finding herself again in life and love, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted is for you.

The story: Coco’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter and move back in with her parents in Paris, and now a handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist under the Eiffel Tower. Storming away from him, she feels like the world is against her when she tries to find work in her industry, but following the scandal she’s escaping from, she stumbles into a little bookshop, which incidentally has a job opening.

Complete with café, cocktail bar, reading room and a secret tunnel of books, there’s magic in the air, and Coco’s life feels like it’s starting to see the light again. There’s only one problem…propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met under the Eiffel Tower.

Thank you, Rebecca, for honouring me with reading a review copy!

The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin is a charming and heartwarming novel set in the enchanting city of Paris. The story follows Coco, who, after a rough patch, finds herself working at a magical bookshop with a café, cocktail bar, and secret tunnel of books. As she navigates her new job, she encounters a handsome stranger from her past, adding a touch of romance and humor to her journey.
It's a delightful, escapist read perfect for fans of romantic novels with a Parisian backdrop.

Such a great rom-com that takes place in Paris and in a bookstore! I fell in love with Coco and her day to day routine. I would recommend to those that like romance!

Another wonderful story by Rebecca. Loved all the characters and the faboulous setting, what’s there not to love about a “magical” bookshop with a cafe and cocktail bar in Paris. I know I would love to visit it and possibly never leave. The friendships made and lives healed and changed was very heartwarming. Beautiful written, easy to read story. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review it. I loved it and highly recommend it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is sharp, beautifully written and incredibly powerful. I have been completely pulled in from very early on in this one. It has definitely been a book that is bound to be a success.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

4.25 ⭐️'s

First off I really enjoyed this book! As a 33 year old mom to a 13 year old girl, her writing on parenting a teen was so relatable. The main FC's interactions with her daughter had me giggling in understanding. I loved the millennial mom and gen-z daughter relationship, and the phrases she incorporated into the story. My daughter uses a lot of the phrases in this book 😅

The setting was beautiful and I felt transported to Paris throughout. I want the bookshop to be an actual place to visit. It sounds simply amazing and quirky.

I found that the main character was relatable and it let me be fully immersed in the story!

The story does have a little bit of the predictable romance storyline, but that's honestly what makes it so cute. I thoroughly loved reading this! It's fast paced and I flew through it in a day and a half! What a perfect first read of 2025, the year is already off to a great start!

Adding the author's other books to my TBR now for a good quick and lovely romance!

This book was so good! It was the perfect combination of Paris setting and a magical bookshop! I could not put this book down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an ARC of The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted!

Rebecca Raisin delivers yet another enchanting read with this heartwarming story set in a magical Parisian bookshop. This novel is a beautifully crafted tale of second chances, love, and the transformative power of books.

The Characters

Coco: A determined single mom navigating heartbreak and betrayal while trying to rebuild her life in Paris. Coco's journey is relatable and inspiring, and her fierce devotion to her daughter Eloise was one of my favorite aspects of the book.
Henri: The quintessential grumpy yet swoon-worthy journalist with a soft side. His slow-burn romance with Coco is endearing and refreshingly realistic.
Valérie: The wise, whimsical owner of the bookshop whose mysterious aura and magical matchmaking add layers of charm to the story. Her backstory made me love her even more!
The book club members: Each brought their own quirks and warmth to the story, especially Agnes, who balanced being judgmental and hilarious in the best way.
What I Loved

The bookshop: A haven for the brokenhearted, complete with cocktails, secret tunnels, and a magical touch. The idea that books can heal is a theme that resonates deeply with any book lover.
The Parisian setting: Raisin’s vivid descriptions of Parisian streets, cafés, and markets transported me straight to the City of Light.
Themes of resilience and healing: Coco’s journey of rebuilding her life and finding her strength was incredibly moving.
Magical realism: The subtle, enchanting elements—like Valérie’s uncanny ability to match people with the perfect book—added a fairytale quality.
Eloise and Coco’s bond: Watching Coco navigate parenting a teenager while facing her own challenges was heartwarming and relatable.
What Could Be Better

The ending leaned a little too sweet and tidy for my taste, but it didn’t take away from the magic of the journey.
This novel is a love letter to books and their ability to mend broken hearts. With its charming characters, magical bookshop, and Parisian setting, it’s the perfect cozy escape for readers.

If you enjoy stories about finding yourself, unexpected romance, and the healing power of literature, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted is a must-read. Out February 3rd, 2025—add this gem to your TBR!

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.