Thanks to netgalley for supplying this advanced copy for the purpose of review.

This was a really uplifting read that felt warm and inviting. I enjoyed it from start to finish.

I've enjoyed all the books I've read by Lucy Diamond and can now add this to the list.
I just loved the scenario, who doesn't love a book set mainly in Paris? I felt that I had been transported there. I also loved the flashbacks to the wild young woman in the sixties and the Adelaide of today
Jess was a character you could warm to and her questions brought the buried Adelaide out of her imposed solitude
It was a delight to read

This was an impressive character read featuring Jess who is starting to rebuild her life - and career - after her marriage has ended and the opportunity to ghost write an autobiography with controversial artist Adelaide Fox gives her the opportunity to move forward, what’s more it gives the her the chance to revisit her youthful memories of when she stayed in Paris in her twenties. Both Jess and Adelaide are brilliant characters, I really liked learning about Adelaide’s life however it was interesting how my perspective of Jess altered (for the better) as the story progressed. This was a highly original story, very thoughtful and emotional but with lots of joyful moments too, I loved the impact both women had on each other and the classic setting of Paris as well as the past struggles both endured and the overall uplifting mood of the book.

I was so excited to receive this book as I’m a huge Lucy Diamond fan. I absolutely loved it and think this was definitely her best book yet.

It’s all about Jess and her journey to tell the life story of the artist Adelaide Fox. However there are so many other detailed back stories in the book which is why it’s such an excellent novel.

I also enjoyed the fact it wasn’t just about romance it had real substance and covered lots of subjects.

I was so invested in the characters and I think I must have gone through every emotion while reading this story.

The location of Paris was just perfect and I could imagine sitting in some of the cafes having a croque-monsieur and a cold glass of wine .

The characters were just excellent and I loved how they connected together.

I’m hoping for a sequel to see what’s next for Adelaide. Lucas, Jess and her family.

Thanks to Netgalley, and Lucy Diamond for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Lucy is an auto read for me, I devour, whatever she writes! I remember Paris beautifully conveys meaningful themes of moving forward and releasing the past. It’s the story of Jess who has been tasked with ghostwriting the autobiography of the controversial and reclusive Adelaide Fox, in Paris. The proves to be a formidable task as Adelaide is quite a piece of work…to say the least! A highly recommended read

Lucy Diamond's novels are always a reliably good read, and this was no exception (though I couldn't help feeling it really should have been called The Wrong Jessica!). It centres around Jess, hired to ghost write the autobiography of controversial, now elderly and reclusive, British artist Adelaide Fox, who lives in Paris with her dog, Jean-Paul. Adelaide's life has certainly been eventful, but she isn't the easiest person to get along with, and she's hell bent on using her book to settle old scores. Recently divorced Jess, meanwhile, has her own history with Paris, specifically an old flame (the one who got away?) and the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Pascale, many years earlier. Can she find answers?

I liked the Paris setting, though I couldn't really engage with Jess's family life back in the UK, mainly her teenage daughters - there were too many of them (three) and they didn't play a big enough role for me to be able to remember which was which. A "topical" side plot with the eldest (?) daughter didn't really seem as if it was needed.

An enjoyable read, particularly around Adelaide's life and her art. Jess was a relatable character, and I was rooting for things to work out for her. It's all tied up a bit neatly in the end, but sometimes that's what you want.

4.25🌟
Having read other Lucy Diamond books, I was excited got the opportunity to read this one. It lived up to my expectations! It follows Jess' search for a job in the journalist/writer world, and a grumpy, spiteful older woman called Adelaide. The dual perspective allows you to see the inner workings of both characters and to understand their frustration with each other, which was quite amusing at times.

Each character is delicately crafted, with a well written backstory that adds extra depth and connection to them. I became engrossed in where the memoir that Jess was ghost writing was headed, and started flying through the chapters.

I would recommend this book to a variety of readers, whilst I am a younger reader I still really enjoyed it and therefore would say it's for everyone. It's got some really lovely messages about moving on, letting go, the importance of family and of looking after yourself too.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Jess is going through a divorce and finds herself with the offer of a job as ghostwriter for Adelaide, an artist with secrets and axes to grind.
I really enjoyed this book and have been a long time fan of Lucy Diamond. There is always a glimmer of romance but this book is about the developing relationship between 2 strong women rediscovering themselves.
A great read

I have read all Lucys books and i have thoroughly enjoyed them. Thos was no exception! Lucy has a way of making her characters come alive and makes you like them! A fab read!

When Jess Bright is asked to be a ghost writer for a notoriously difficult artist she can’t help feeling there has been a mistake. After all, Jess’ career hasn’t been exactly stellar. Having 3 girls means she has been freelance for years, fitting work commitments in between taking care of her children.
Travelling to Paris, a city that holds so many memories of her younger days, Jess can’t believe her luck.
Adelaide Fox isn’t exactly welcoming but Jess is determined to make the most of the chance she has been given.
During Jess’ interviews with Adelaide, long held secrets surface but it’s not only Adelaide who has to face her past. Jess also has some old ghosts to lay to rest that could help her move forwards with her life.
This is a funny and moving book with characters that will engage, entertain and at times shock. Curl up and lose yourself in Paris!

This was an intricate and detailed story spanning decades and I found it absolutely fascinating. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not an art aficionado and so this isn’t a world which I’d usually frequent. Jess, however, was very identifiable with and drew me in as she tried to dig into Adelaide’s past and unravel her secrets for this memoir. I thought it was very well written and clearly an incredible amount of research had gone into it. The multiple threads of the story kept it relevant and light- you had little distractions such as Luc and the dramas of Jess’s kids to counteract the heaviness of some of the big milestones of Adelaide’s past. Very clever story writing and a great book.

Another fantastic book by Lucy Diamond. I just love the way she brings her characters to life which makes her writing so easy to read.

Jess is a single mum who gets the opportunity to go to Paris to write the memoirs of renown artist, Adelaide Fox.
Adelaide has long since retired from her painting life but sees her memoir as a way to seek revenge on everyone who has ever wronged her.
As she opens up to Jess, will she be able to put the past behind her and will Jess be able to move on after her divorce.

A fabulous story of forgiveness and second chances.

Highly recommended!!!
#lucydiamond

The story followed adelaide, a famous artist who wishes to write a memoir of her life, especially write about those who treated her wrong. We also read about jess, who has been hired to be the ghost writer, however she won't let adelaide boss her around.
I absolutely adored this book, getting to read about the adventures in Paris, as well as the adventures is Kent. Makes it even nicer as I am from Kent (margate) which plays a part of the story.

Thank you for letting me read this early.

Another excellent book from Lucy Diamond.

Jess Bright, freelance journalist, soon to be divorced and single mother to three teenage daughters, is excited when she's offered the job of going to Paris to ghost write the memoir of the famous artist Adelaide Fox. Unfortunately Adelaide, known as being extremely difficult, takes a dislike to Jess who needs this job to kick start her return to full-time journalism. For the book to be written the two women have to call a truce and slowly their friendship develops.

Written in a dual POV, Adelaide recalls her often scandalous life in the London Bohemian movement of the Sixties, with more and more shocking events disclosed as the interview continues. In Jess's free time she reacquaints herself with Paris and searches for clues to solve the mystery of her friend's sudden disappearance twenty years ago.

A complex enough plot to keep me intrigued to the very satisfactory end.

eARC generously supplied by Quercus Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

An uplifting read from Lucy Diamond. I have read all of Lucy’s books and was delighted to be offered her latest book to review, especially after meeting her at a recent author event in Ledbury where she mentioned that her new book was set in Paris!
The novel revolves around Jess, a newly divorced 40 something, who is offered the opportunity to ghost write the memoir of famous artist Adelaide Fox in Paris. The characters are well rounded and the story weaves through Adelaide’s past as she recounts her life, adding other characters to the story as she goes. A beautiful read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As other books I've read by Lucy Diamond this book was an enjoyable read and it was very easy to read. Definitely recommend it.

Lucy’s books are always a joy to read, and this one didn’t disappoint. Lovely characters, and rich narrative made this novel flow so well. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

What a great read. Jess is a recently separated woman journalist with three teenage daughters. Adelainde is a famous artist living in Paris. Jess receives an offer of the job of writing Adelaide's memoirs, which are quite something.
Adelaide is a feisty lady who at times is vitriolic and take a her times to warm to Jess. Lucas is Adelaide's nephew who is organising her paintings and cataloguing them for her. There is definitely an attraction there but....

I absolutely love Lucy Diamond and when her name popped up on my feed Immediately hit request, I’m very honored and excited and look forward to sharing my thoughts on her lastedt novel. If it matches any of her past work we are all in for a real treat. Her relatable and flawed characters, gorgeous scenery, and untie storylines keep readers in anticipation of her work and her signature cu ears are instantly recognizable as well!