Last chance in Paris by Lynda Marron

This is a fun and impressive debut novel. The background setting of Paris is perfect and the descriptions took me back to my own visits there. I was drawn in to Claire and Ronan's story who are celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary and trying to improve their relationship. The other characters in the book were also interesting and brought to life well. Overall a great read and I look forward to Lynda Marron's next novel.

Thank you to negalleyuk, the publishers and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#Scottishreader #irishbookstagram

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book via netgalley ahead of its release last month. I can’t believe this is a debut novel for Lynda as this book just flowed so brilliantly. Naturally, I love anything that’s set in Paris, it just conjures up such vivid images for me from my previous visits which I love. Claire and Ronan are the main protagonists of the story but their time in Paris is interwoven by others on their own journey - they all seem to meet at different times, unknowingly which just adds to the charm. This book was an easy read, it was heartwarming, emotional and hopeful. I enjoyed it.

Their stories are all different and entirely separate, but the slight ways in which their paths become intertwined is both interesting and intriguing. An enjoyable read!

Last Chance in Paris
Lynda Marron


Great read. Very well written with interesting characters & lots of Parisian atmosphere.

Perfect for summer holidays. I expect to see lots of pool-side photos of Last Chance in Paris on insta this summer!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to read this novel.

Set in Paris over one September weekend, Last Chance in Paris tells the story of multiple characters who are all in the city for different reasons.

A married couple from Cork, Claire and Ronan, are celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary and trying to find each other again after heartbreak; well-known movie producer, Harry, working on his next film, is looking back over his life and regretting some of his choices; US student and bookshop assistant, Dan, is falling in love but unsure if things will work out; Yeva, a Ukrainian refugee, is trying to protect her younger sister; and an old lady called Mireille from Dijon is being brave and facing the past.

It’s a lovely, poignant read as we learn more about their lives and the things they’ve faced over the years. Each of them has a moving story to tell. It was fascinating to see how the story expanded, how their paths crossed and how various connections between the characters were revealed.

The setting of Paris was great – it’s always lovely to spend some time in this beautiful city and visit the sights! I really felt like I was exploring Paris with them all and it reminded me of my visits there.

I liked the fact that there were French and Ukrainian phrases scattered throughout the book. It was a nice touch and I had fun looking them up!

I really enjoyed this book; it was well written, thought provoking and emotional and I enjoyed the way that people’s lives and stories were cleverly woven around each other. It had me guessing about how the characters were linked and wondering how their stories were each going to end. I felt such a range of emotions while reading and I couldn’t put it down as it was so engaging and captivating.

This is the author’s debut novel and I will definitely be looking out for her next book!

This book offers a captivating glimpse into the intertwining lives of strangers in the City of Love. Claire and Ronan's strained marriage, set against a backdrop of tragedy, forms the heart of the narrative as they embark on a seemingly futile romantic getaway. However, as their story unfolds alongside those of the diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own dilemmas, unexpected connections blossom. [Author's Name] masterfully crafts a poignant tale of love, loss, and redemption, highlighting the transformative power of human connection amidst the romantic allure of Paris. A beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that lingers in the heart long after the final page.

I really loved this book; it is wonderful. The book is beautifully written and vividly transported me to Paris, a place I've always wanted to visit, even more so now.

The book is full of endearing characters, all with their own struggles, that I grew to really care about. I particularly enjoyed how their paths crossed along the way; this is one of my favourite concepts in a book. This book reminds us of how we impact on people we meet, no matter how big or small the interaction.

Although the book is an easy read, it explores some serious themes , in particular loss. There were parts in this book that touched me in a way I wasn't expecting; it was hugely cathartic and I feel that many will experience it this way.

Despite the poignancy throughout, the story , for me, was overall a joyous and uplifting read. It's a gorgeous reminder that although life is hard at times, there is joy and love to be found.

This book was one of those joys ❤❤❤

Last Chance in Paris was such a heartfelt and considered read. I really enjoy stories that reflect on the moments in people's lives that determine their futures, and this novel handled the concept so well.

I was taken by each storyline, and found myself caring about each character's outcome as they navigated life. When their paths started to intersect, I was even more engrossed.

Lynda Marron has done something truly wonderful here, by presenting a series of meaningful moments in people's lives and also not coming across as overly sentimental. I have read other books with a similar theme to this one, and it's a difficult feat to avoid being twee! There was meaning here that was thoughtful and considered, and it made me reflect on the kinds of interactions we experience in our lives and the purpose of them.

Claire and Ronan's storyline was my favourite, and Marron handled heavy topics with sensitivity and care, but I also loved Harry and his tale.

The setting was perfection! I wandered the streets of Paris with these characters and it was an atmospheric and exciting experience. And any books that mentions Jeff Buckley is a win for me!

A beautiful read about love, grief and regret...congratulations Lynda!

What a beautiful book! Marron's debut weaves the stories of a cast of characters for a variety of life stages, backgrounds and circumstances. The common thread through each story is that powerful emotion - love. Love found, love lost, love sought, and love being fought for. These individual stories ended up criss-crossing in minute but significant ways, and it was wonderful to see the progression of everyone's story. A book I gave a little hug to once I'd finished! Highly recommend.

Clare and Ronan are on a make or break trip to Paris, intertwined in their story are lots of other people’s stories like Harry’s, Edith’s and Edith’s, Mirialles and two young Ukrainian girls and the French police!
So Clare and Ronan have decided where to visit and when and set out on there journey to see the doors band mate Jim Morrison grave which isn’t as easy as they thought as graveyard is huge but after stumbling around for a few hours a man grabs their attention and kindly shows them the plastic covered gravestones
They have already had interactions with several people but don’t know it
I enjoyed the book but it didn’t grab me sorry I wanted the characters to be a little more exciting but love Paris and you could be there reading this book

Last Chance in Paris is a gorgeous debut novel that centres around the story of an Irish couple, Claire and Ronan. Struggling to come to terms with a tragic loss and with their marriage hanging by a thread, they visit Paris for the weekend in an attempt to reconnect.

Interwoven amongst their story are several other people in Paris at the same time whose lives briefly intertwine with theirs - Hollywood producer Harry who finds himself reflecting on a life full of poor choices, American student Dan who has found love in Paris, Yeva a young Ukrainian refugee who is trying to look after herself and her younger sister, and widow Mireille who has travelled to Paris from Dijon for a long dreamed-of reunion.

This is a book which truly surprised me - I think from the cover I was expecting a more run of the mill easy read, but this is a book full of emotion that deals with some serious topics sensitively explored.

Clever in its structure, I love the way in which Marron weaves the stories of all the characters, separate and yet cleverly interlinked, around the sights and sounds of a Paris which she truly brings to life, transporting the reader in a way which I guarantee will want you to make a trip yourself. And the characters themselves are well-developed creating an often moving but ultimately heartwarming read.

Heartfelt, Captivating, Poignant.

I always have a soft spot when it comes to books set in Paris. Last chance in Paris captured my heart. The beautiful writing, the amazing interlinking stories.

I was so excited when I received a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley. The book transports you straight onto the plane flying to Paris.

I certainly think you feel like you're walking in the characters shoes in the beautiful city of Paris. I felt the authors writing contained so much compassion and empathy. It was a 5 star read for me.

There are some things in the book that a reader may find triggering. I look forward to picking up a physical copy to add to my collection.

I anticipated that this would be a pleasant, easy read set in the breathtaking city of Paris. Although this book certainly was, its stories are incredibly moving and catch you off guard. I really enjoyed how distinct each individual was—the story follows them as they journey to Paris. Each of them tackled a significant subject that had been written about so brilliantly, and they each had a unique tale to tell and a unique purpose for visiting Paris. I became so invested in the characters, especially the Irish couple called Claire and Ronan and found myself willing them to communicate. I enjoyed how each set of characters became closer to one another as they travelled through the city.

Last Chance in Paris by Lynda Marron

“It seemed like something special to me, like a grenade of possibility”.

This book is full to the brim with incredible characters. We meet Claire and Ronan who are escaping to Paris but are struggling to escape from terrible grief they’ve experienced. Harry, a high flying Hollywood producer is struggling with the guilt of his failed marriage. Yeva is a young Ukrainian refugee who is trying to find her way in this new city and Mireille, an older woman from Dijon, wants to unlock the secrets of her past. Over the course of a weekend these strangers’ lives intertwine in Paris and a wonderful story of human connection unfolds.

To say this book blew me away is an understatement. It captures grief, loneliness, heartbreak and resilience so unbelievably well that you cannot help but become immersed and invested in the characters and their lives. I should have known from Lynda’s wonderful Bookstagram account that she has an incredible talent - I urge you to follow her page if you don’t already. There is such eloquence in her way with words and this book proves that she is indeed an incredible author too.

The book does deal with some sensitive issues. One particular storyline may cause distress but it is handled with the utmost sensitivity and compassion. Despite the difficult themes it is is full of warmth, comfort and hope. I feel like Richard Curtis (of Love Actually, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones fame) could definitely do a good job in adapting this book to screen (I’ve even cast the characters if he needs ideas). I highly recommend this one and I’m so grateful to have been sent an advanced copy by @sultanbun @eriubooks and @gillhessltd . Lynda please hurry up and write your next book! Publication date: 8th of February ‘24. #bookstagram #irishbookstagram #lyndamarron #lastchanceinparis

“I think we have to live hard, as hard as we can. Live furiously. Revel in the joy of it and suck up the pain, because that’s the deal. If you hide away from the rotten, ugly bits of life you do yourself out of the beauty of it.”

Last Chance in Paris is the first novel from Irish author (and bookstagrammer!) Lynda Marron.

We meet several different people who for a variety of reasons find themselves in Paris. Eventually some of their paths cross, and the best way to describe this is; literary magic.

This is a real joy to read. Yes, you’ll find emotional and at times upsetting storylines in here, but the overwhelming feeling I was left with was hope and a desire to go and live my life to the fullest. What a wonderful skill to have as a writer to imbue that sentiment in others.

My favorite characters are Claire and Ronan; a married couple from Cork trying to repair their fractured relationship with a weekend stay in the city of love. I loved seeing Paris through their eyes; I was only there again recently but it was so nice to experience it with them! I absolute love Shakespeare & Co., Montmarte, and the Musee Dorsay so I really enjoyed following them around on their travels as they worked through their problems.

I also grew very fond of Harry; a Hollywood movie director who finds himself completely alone thanks to his own actions; now looking for meaning in his life.

I loved all the little touches like Claire reminiscing on her teenage crush, or Harry getting a cocktail called Lilac Heart and thinking of Jeff Buckley. The references to different books throughout the story was a lovely touch too.

A book that will make you believe there are no coincidences in life, and that we’re all exactly where we are supposed to be.
I think a lot of people will really love this one, available to buy now!

With many thanks to @netgalley and @eriubooks for my early copy. As always, all opinions are my own.

"Only an idiot would travel without a book. Only a fool, thought Claire, would prioritise clean knickers and kitten heels, ahead of reading material in The Great 10kg Baggage Challenge. And yet, here she was, flipping from the front to the back of the flight safety card. It didn't even have words, only line drawings of people calmly flinging themselves out of planes."

Once I read those opening lines of "Last Chance in Paris" by Lynda Marron, I knew I was going to love this book.

Last Chance in Paris is a feast of interwoven characters who find themselves in Paris one long weekend in Autumn. Claire and Ronan are on a lastminute.com trip to try to find themselves again after the hardest year of their lives. Throughout their weekend we are also introduced to Dan, a student from Boston who is trying to decide between love and duty; Yeva, a Ukrainian refugee who is trying to provide food and shelter for her and her younger sister; Harry, a high-profile film producer who is tormented with regret; and Mireille, an old woman from Dijon with a bright yellow hat, who is about to meet with someone she always dreamed to. ( A side note, but I pictured Miriam Margolyes as Mireille for the entire book!)

This story is filled with heartbreak and hope, love and longing, pain and finding peace. It is so much more than I ever anticipated, and really was like a big warm embrace in a book. I adored this book, and the characters within it. Lynda Marron is an incredible writer. ( Another side note: Marron means "chestnut" in French and she expertly left little chestnut references throughout the book, like a treasure hunt, that just made me smile.)

It goes without saying that this was a 5 star read for me, and my first of 5 star read of 2024! Many thanks to Deirdre @Eriu for the ebook (@netgalley) and physical advance copies. I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and honestly review this wonderful book.

Well written book but the story did not quite resonate with me. I would still recommend it as I enjoyed the way it was written, the speed of the narrative and the diversity of the characters. It just didn't grab me personally.

My thoughts :
I absolutely love everything about Paris so when i saw this book i was immediately hooked and couldnt wait to get started. Throughout this book we meet many different and wonderful characters first meet Ronan and Claire. They became reacquainted and spend much needed quality time together once again.
Then we meet Harry a true American who spends his time roaming around Paris exploring all the amazing city has to offer.
We are then introduced to Mireille a french native who has decided to embark on her own journey of exploration through this wonderful and romantic city.
We then meet a few more characters including
Yeva who is probably the character i most enjoyed she has had her own trials and tribulations having fled the war tore county of Ukraine she is doing her very best to not only protect herself but also her little sister.
I loved learning about how each of them developed as characters and also their sheer and utter determination to find happiness.
On first glance it appears to be a light romance but it can also be extremely heavy and thought provoking throughout so you may need to have the tissues at the ready.

Id give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A sweet book about hope and love, I loved the secondary characters, Harry, Mireille, Yeva and of course, the city of Paris.
The author obviously loves Paris and her characters paths criss cross very neatly through the novel - not every writer can pull this off but she does so stylishly and without being clumsy.
Overall, a book you’d be pleased you brought on holiday.

Paris is one of my favourite cities which is the main reason I wanted to read this book, Lynda Marron captures Paris perfectly in this book. We follow our main characters Ronan and Claire from Cork as they spend the weekend in Paris, exploring the city and spending time together as we get to know these characters better we learn of their heartbreak in the past and what this trip could mean for them. Along with Ronan and Claire, there is Harry, a producer, Dan who is a student, Mirelle an elderly lady who has been keeping a secret and two Ukrainian sisters who are all in Paris at the same time, their lives entwine. I really enjoyed this book, it's an uplifting read and I loved getting to follow all the characters on their personal journeys.