Member Reviews

If you like to swoon in a beautiful setting, “The Paris Bookshop for the Brokenhearted “ by Rebecca Raisin is for you. Coco has to move back to parents home in Paris with her thirteen year old daughter after a scandalous business situation. Coco’s ex-partner in their publishing business, did some unscrupulous actions. This has now made Coco a pariah in the publishing industry. On her arrival in Paris, she stumbled upon this quaint bookshop. The owner, Valerie, has a passion for taking care of others and the endless pursuit of love. There are a variety of fun characters in this book that warm your heart. As well as, a very handsome possible love interest! This is a perfect book to curl up with a warm cup of tea! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advance read.

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Paris is once again our destination city for Rebecca's latest novel, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted, and it was such a cute story. Coco is our protagonist and we journey with her as she weaves her way through relocation to another country, struggles with a teenage daughter, and coming to terms with the a*s*at her ex-partner was, alongside trying to find a job to help her on her way.

I adored the bookshop and everything about it, from the 'potions and passages' to the quirky members of the book club. The characters are charming, and we even get a fleeting appearance from Anais, who pops in from one of Rebecca's previous books, so we also get to see what she's been up to!

We had a place near where I used to live called Astley Book Farm, in Warwickshire in the UK, and it was an amazing place. Full of second-hand books, shelf upon shelf of every genre you could think of, and something new to discover at every turn, oh and amazing cakes too! The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted reminded me a bit of this book farm - maybe they should start with the 'potions and passages' too, for any lost souls who might wander in!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin.

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood books for my copy of The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin in exchange for an honest review. It publishes February 3, 2025.
This has got to be Rebecca Raisin’s best Parisian novel yet. I loved the plot and subplots in this book. There was not a single subplot that I found to be unimportant, boring, or overdone. This book captivated me and had me reading at 4 am and totally not sleeping, because I had to know what would happen!
I highly recommend!

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Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Set in a beautiful city, we meet Coco, after her relationship and business collapses, moves to Paris to live with her parents with her daughter who is not happy leaving behind her friends and the life she loves.

When she arrives, she meets Henri and then is offered a job in a bookshop. This is the beginning of Coco’s new life and slowly she starts to overcome her broken heart and finds a way to make amends with her old clients.

But her daughter Eloise isn’t having the same luck. She’s still not happy living in Paris and is has some issues at the new school.

I loved the how Cocoa made friends with the characters who visit the bookshop and finding out them, helping them when they needed it.

I highly recommend this book.

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Coco loses everything she has built, her connections with long time authors to her finances because of her ex boyfriend Alexandre. This forces her to move with her daughter, Eloise, from London back to Paris for a fresh start. Eloise does not agree to this move and Coco does not have the heart to share why they are moving from London to Paris.

When they first arrive in Paris, she runs into a disagreeable man. After failing at finding another job, she wanders the city only to end up near the Eiffel Tower. Standing there an exasperatingly handsome stranger yells at her for acting like a tourist, as she is pick-pocketed. Storming away from him, and swearing off men for life, she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

As if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles down an alley and discovers a little bookshop. This is not any old bookshop; this one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, all with just a little hint of magic in the air. When Coco is offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit. There is only one problem, sitting at a table in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day, Henri.

I loved all the other characters too not just Coco and Henri; the bookshop owner Valerie, each of the members of the shop’s book club, Henri’s daughter Liz, and even Coco’s parents. Everyone who came into the bookshop had a story to tell; broken hearts don’t only affect those in love. Each character has a backstory and added something to the story.

Ms. Raisin has written an amazing, heartwarming story set in a magical Parisian bookshop that is a wonderful tale of second chances, love, and the transformative power of books. 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.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#Boldwood #NetGalley #TheParisBookshopForTheBrokenHearted

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I really enjoyed this cozy & heartfelt romance. The bookshop sounds like such a wonderful place and all the characters we meet there really add to the story.
Like all Rebecca’s books I feel like I’ve travelled to Paris after reading this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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After her world implodes, Coco and her teenage daughter leave London to take refuge with Coco’s parents in Paris. There, she seems to be unable to stop bumping into Henri, a handsome but irritating journalist. When Coco takes a job at The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted, she learns that more hearts need mending than just her own, including Henri’s. The story covers difficult life events for lots of the characters. Whilst there is a love story between Coco and Henri, it’s not front and centre – the narrative meanders through the lives of lots of broken-hearted people.

What I loved:
The book reads like a love letter to literature: there are many literary references, quotes, and Raisin clearly conveys Coco’s passion for reading. The description of the book shop is one of the highlights of the novel; the writer comes into her own here. It’s incredibly evocative and conveys the wonder and magic of the place.

There was a lovely magical realism vibe to it. I kind of wish there’d been more of that, especially nearer the end.

The relationship between mother and teen was very well depicted. As was the description of Paris – it was clear enough for readers unfamiliar with the place, but casual enough to suggest Coco’s familiarity with her home city.

It’s always tricky trying to suggest speech in a language other than the one you’re writing in, but author does a good job, mixing some common French words in with the rest of the English prose, which strikes a decent balance and is a good compromise.

What I was less keen on:
Whilst the story started right in the action, which is always a relief, there was an awful lot of exposition and introspection at the start which is a bit laborious.

It was rather too meta at times - lots of ‘this isn’t a romance novel’ type reflection, especially at the start, that just makes you think, ‘this IS a romance novel’ and makes it hard to suspend disbelief.

The romantic conclusion between Coco and Henri was, to borrow from Eloise, ‘a bit cringe’. There wasn’t much subtlety or romance, especially with the kids and parents looking on. I’m not entirely convinced by their relationship. I don’t know much about them as people. What we do know is mainly told rather than shown, and when it is shown, it’s usually followed up with commentary telling us about what’s been shown just to drive it home.

There were some important plotlines that were not tied up, so the ending was not as satisfying as it could have been.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Delightfully uplifting, charming, and heartfelt! A solid four star read!

Single mom Coco has been betrayed by her life and business partner Alexander who was found stealing royalties from the authors they work with in their independent book publishing company. Finding her life and business in ruins, she leaves London and returns to Paris with her daughter to temporarily move in with her parents while she puts her life back together.

Running into a bookshop called The Paris Bookshop of the Broken-Hearted, Coco meets the owner Valerie who believes in romance and happily ever afters. As Coco and her daughter forge a new life in Paris, they will each face personal challenges that will both strain and strengthen their relationship. And maybe, with the help of Valerie, Coco’s new friends, and the magic of the bookshop, healing will begin and allow love in again.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted was a sweet and warm read. Rebecca Raisin creates characters who manage to find both love for themselves as well as a romantic love with someone else. It was a beautiful story that reminded me of how powerful love can be- as well as how beautiful the city of love is!

So much of this book is a love letter to Paris and to family. In many ways, the romance between Coco and Henri is second to the love we see between Coco and her daughter, Eloise, as well as the familial dynamics of the book club at the bookshop. It’s a story of self love and acceptance well beyond a romantic nature.

I loved the subtle reference to Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel and Anais, the main character of that book! Rebecca’s books make me want to take a trip to Paris ASAP. It’s hard not to fall in love with her stories and the beautiful setting they are in.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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In The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin, Coco Chevallier returns to Paris after a devastating betrayal and career collapse in London. Struggling to rebuild her life while dealing with her rebellious teenage daughter, she stumbles upon a hidden bookshop run by the enigmatic Valerie. There, she finds unexpected purpose—and crosses paths with Henri, a brooding man still nursing a heartbreak of his own. As their relationship shifts from animosity to something deeper, Coco navigates personal and professional challenges, with a touch of magic and hope guiding her toward a fresh start.

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They say that Paris is the city of love, somehow, I love the books that are set in Paris and I am never disappointed!!

This book is set in a bookshop at Paris. It is about 2 single parents falling in love along with being there for their kids. There are so many twists, turns, secrets and even some legal stuff mentioned in the book that kept me hooked.

📚 There are so many plans and events mentioned in the story related to bookshop that were really unknown for me.
📚 There is a huge secret hidden in the story, which is quiet unpredictable and the end reveals it in a beautiful way.
📚 So many concepts are given voice in the story such as parenting, being heart broken, bankrupt, friendships, bullying, accepting mistakes, forgiving, handling tough situations, making new friends and of course, falling in love.
📚 Making mistakes and forgiving is the best that I liked about this book. How to be a bigger person is something that everyone is learning on the go.
📚 The plot covers the present with only some glimpses of past. Major part of the plot is covered in present scenes without weavering from the story line.
📚 Story never felt boring and it evoked a type of interest that made me look for bookclubs in my area.

I really loved this easy going, yet thrilling story along with a spicy love story.

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The bookshop for the Broken-Hearted had a lovely storyline and the characters enjoyable.

It has a little mystery about it and was a fun read, following along and anticipating the next chapter and what it would hold for Coco.

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rebecca Raisin for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted coming out February 3, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoy this author! I have several of her books. A lot of her books mix bookshops and romance in beautiful settings. Contemporary romance isn’t my favorite, but I really enjoyed this book because of the added coziness and bookish vibes. I loved the characters.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance books!

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This is a cozy, starting over again story set in Paris. Coco and her daughter Eloise (13) move back home to Paris after Coco’s long time partner screws them over. Not only heartbroken, Coco is all but blacklisted from the publishing community due to her affiliation with her ex. Jobless, living with her parents and her daughter begrudgingly starting a new school takes its toll on Coco. She finds herself in the Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted. The owner Valerie offers up quotes, drinks and some magic to those who come in. Coco takes a job there and starts finding her way back through meeting all different kinds of characters. While there is a romantic element, this is more of a women’s fiction book. The chaste romance is really a small piece of the story. Check this one out at your library.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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“Reading is a refuge when life gets tough. Instead of dwelling in my own sadness, I escape into other worlds. It’s the best form of therapy there is.”
Major life changes can be hard at any age, and for Coco and Eloise, who are making huge changes by leaving all they know and love behind in England and making a fresh start by moving in with Coco’s parents in Paris. This story delves into how various people handle the changes, in both the expected and the unexpected ways.
When Coco and her daughter start over in Paris it means a new beginning for Coco-despite being almost attacked at the Eiffel Tower and having a handsome man come to her rescue. Soon she finds a new job at the local bookstore with an eccentric owner who believes that her store can help all with her books and potions. Soon afterwards she finds her rescuer is a frequent visitor to the bookshop. But Eloise, Coco’s daughter, is not taking the move too well, despite being warmly welcomed by her grandparents she is missing her life back home desperately and acts out as a result. Between navigating the trouble with Eloise and her school and getting to know Henri, Coco has her hands full. But it also forces her to reevaluate her life and those closest to her.
This story has quirky supporting characters and a chance at a second romance. There’s witty dialogue and of course a bookish atmosphere in Paris! All in all, this is a great story about finding your way, found family and of course, love.
Thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

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Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading the first chapter, I wasn’t a fan of the main character, Coco. But as the book progressed and more about her was revealed, I thawed towards her. Hated her daughter but grew to like her 😂 Coco had so much to contend with and overcome when she moved back to Paris with Eloise, but soon all this faded when she found the bookshop and her hurt was replaced with new friends.

I really enjoyed this book, loved the characters - each with their own unique stories and quirks. But best of all, I loved the bookshop. We need someone to bring this to life, it was so quirky and full of whatever you needed to mend your hurt. Agnes made me chuckle, stubborn about the books she would or would not read, the book club just ignored her mostly!

I loved that it also linked to the previous book Rebecca wrote, Christmas At The Little Paris Hotel, which I loved as well - check them both out!

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This is the second book I have read from this author and it did not disappoint!

We follow Coco as she uproots hers and her daughter’s lives in London, to move back with her parents in Paris. As you continue reading you find out why.

This story deals with relationship loss, moving on and standing strongly when everything around you seems to be crumpling. It tells of letting people help you, your family, new friends, accepting changes and making them work for you.

It’s a lovely written tale, the author describes the settings so well, there’s humour mixed in but issues they face are dealt with sensitivity. Her daughter’s story is handled so very well, dealing with a sense of loosing friends and bullying.

I love the book club within this story, it had me thinking of the book club I attend and who the various characters remind me of.

Writing this review is making me realise quite how many sensitive issues are discussed within the book, not just our main character and her daughter, but also other characters we meet and care greatly for as the book continues. However, the author writes them so well that, although some are heartbreaking, she shows the resilience of the characters, the support they have around them, how life can be cruel but how people adapt, move on but never forget.

All in all a wonderful read. I loved that Anais from the previous book featured briefly in this one as well.

The first half of this book really sets the scene, pulls you in, introduces you to everyone. The second half then just doesn’t let you go, you are so invested in everything that happens you won’t be able to put it down!

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I just finished The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin, and wow—this book is pure magic.

Set against the dreamy backdrop of Paris, it’s a story that wraps you in a warm literary hug. The main character’s journey through loss, love, and self-discovery is both heartfelt and inspiring. Rebecca Raisin has such a beautiful way of bringing the setting and emotions to life—you can almost smell the croissants and hear the pages turning in the charming little bookshop.

If you’ve ever found solace in a good book or dreamed of wandering the streets of Paris, this one will completely sweep you away. A perfect pick for anyone who loves stories about second chances and the healing power of books. 💕📚

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This was a beautiful story full of heart and humor! If I opened my own bookstore, I would want it to be the safe haven this store feels like! Just a beautiful story and great characters! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

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Rating: 🤗/4.5
Review: This book found me at the right time. A predictable and cozy read. It’s romance, funny banter, motherhood of a teenage daughter, publishing world and a book about a bookstore all in one. Quirky, funny and found family. Alexander is a freaking idiot! Paris is a whole character.
Format: 👩🏻‍💻
Source: #netgalley
Published on Goodreads 1/26/2025

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