Member Reviews
What a fun summer read!
I had the honor of interviewing Rebecca Raisin for the Storytime in Paris podcast. This is what I said:
Ep 76 - Rebecca Raisin “A Love Letter to Paris”
We could all use a little more love in our lives, couldn’t we? Well, my first guest for the mini-summer season of Storytime in Paris is here to help. Rebecca Raisin is an internationally bestselling romance writer whose books have been optioned for film. Her latest novel “A Love Letter to Paris” just came out last week. It’s not a bodice-ripping romance, but a truly romantic escape.
In our conversation, Rebecca shares why she chose a flea market as her unconventional backdrop, whether she really believes people were more romantic in the past, how this love story nearly had a different ending, and more!
Would Rebecca nose around in an old diary? Listen now to find out!
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3WjuxMs
A Love Letter to Paris is a truly romantic, in the old fashioned sense of the word, love story that warms the heart, as Lilou goes about creating the perfect match for her friend Emilienne, who is always getting her heart broken into a million pieces.
Of British French parentage, Lilou is an out and out romantic, who sells bundles of love letters, amongst other memorabilia, at her little stall in the Marche Dauphine at the Saint Ouen Flea Market. She wonders if people can still fall in love through letters and could the lost art of writing love letters, be the answer to the woes of trying to find love in a fast paced, technologically focused world.
Digging around in the world of online dating, she realises it is not just Emilienne who has issues with finding love, she also does as her last love affair ended in a disaster. She ponders developing a ‘slow-burn’ dating site where people are matched through hand written love letters and sends Emilienne a free questionnaire under the name of Paris Cupid.
That was six months ago and Paris Cupid has exceeded Lilou’s expectations, also becoming a very popular gossip item around the Flea Market, as no one can guess who is behind Paris Cupid; it is Paris’s best kept secret.
Disaster strikes when Emmanuel Roux a much beloved Parisian sit com TV Star turns out to be the man she has matched Emilienne with; a man who is known as the Playboy of Paris. He has gone public stating he has met the love of his life, they are to be married and it is all down to Paris Cupid!
As the gossip level rises people in the marketplace are beginning to wonder who really is Paris Cupid and could it possibly be Lilou. She is in a constant state of worry and then to add to her troubles there is the very ‘delectable’, according to her friend Genevieve, Pascale who seems to do nothing other than scowl at her and complain about everything!
Lilou is so busy with her market stall, trying to avoid being discovered as Paris Cupid and encouraging her friends to find their true love, she fails to notice she is the target of someone trying to woo her in the old fashioned way, with secret notes left in the stall and mysterious flower deliveries.
A Love Letter to Paris is light hearted, well written and an absolute joy to read, as Lilou and her friends tread the pathway to true love, Parisian style and discover that love is often found with the most unlikely people.
What a lovely read. Lilou has had a disastrous dating life, anything and everything that can go wrong has, so she decides to do her bit to help the people of Paris find love and friendship with a new internet site.
Not the way things are with other dating apps, but the old ways of years gone by. Pen & Ink, love letters.
Set in Paris, and Paris was described so well I felt as if I were there, experiencing the settings and scenery. I mustn’t forget the patisserie delights, scrumptious!
I loved the idea of the story and the characters in it. An uplifting feel good romance book at its very best.
i really enjoyed this book and loved the concept.. it was an easy read and easy to get lost in. the characters all felt like old friends and i enjoyed getting to know them and their relationships
a fun read
I’ve loved reading this book. It was lovely to be back in Paris but in a completely different way. I enjoyed spending time with Lilou and the others in this unique setting.
Paris Cupid was a brilliant idea and came from a well meaning plan but explodes out of all expectations. Lilou clearly struggled with how to manage this and all the complications that came with it but I don’t know anyone who would have managed it any better. Thankfully she had support in the shape of Genevieve who added some humour and sparkle to the story. I also loved the descriptions of the market where everyone works, they really brought it to life and made me feel like I was there experiencing the hustle and bustle and all the different shops.
The characters were mostly lovely, though there were some obvious exceptions. There were a number of interlocking stories but because they were skillfully handled, none of them became confusing. The story takes us all over Paris but doesn’t lose sight of the fact that most people want to love and be loved, but finding that special person is a complicated process. However, watching that process evolve in this beautiful city was a joy. This is a lovely comforting read that is perfect for cosying up with at any time of year.
A Love Letter In Paris is a heartwarming romance book that was so fun to read. I enjoyed the light, slow burn romance and the old fashioned spin on online dating. I thought this book was an interesting twist on a normal romance book because it had so many amazing elements.
Lilou was a great main character and I loved her story, especially the adoption of the cats. She is someone who has struggled with relationships in the past and creates a new website where people write letters to each other to grow a bond. Lilou also works in such an incredible setting, a market stall, which captivates the reader to a different world. I loved all the characters in the book and I thought they were all unique and had good development throughout the story.
The author transports the reader to Paris through the narrative which is written about beautifully. The book felt like a feel good story and I really enjoyed reading about it. The authors writing is so easy to follow and it captivates the reader. I highly recommend this book.
When someone decides to help out their friend they did not realise that the whole of Paris will get caught up in the love stories going around. Until the person that started this starts to receive love notes themselves who is sending them.
Dearest Gentle Reader,
Oh wait. Wrong era and book...but I tell you, I did get a lot of modern day Lady Whistledown vibes from this book, in a good way! I do enjoy a cute HEA hallmark type of romance novel every now and then to provide the warm fuzzies. A Love Letter to Paris was just that.
I loved the quirky characters and the charming life they lead in Paris. A lifestyle which seemed too good to be true, people working in a tourist market selling unique things and providing services which I had to wonder how you could make a living off of lol
The descriptive writing was wonderful, the character development was exceptional and I loved the story. Was it predictable? Yes, very much so but still did not stop my heart from swelling at the end.
This is a cosy romance. It is told by the main character Lilou.
She starts a dating agency Paris Cupid hoping to help her friend find a soulmate.
She goes back to basics where those who sign up have to communicate first by writing to one another by letter
She becomes a sensation which she didn't expect.
Nice story set in Paris loved the characters especially the cats.
Would have liked a bit more romance especially as it is set in Paris but having said that I really enjoyed it. It is a fun read and will put a smile on even the most miserable face.
Thanks Netgallery.
📱E-Book Review📱
A Love Letter To Paris
Rebecca Raisin
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Back in April, I read Summer At The Santorini Bookshop by this author and was absolutely blown away at how beautifully written it was and with such a great storyline and characters, I couldn't wait to get hold of my next read.
Once again, we are instantly transported to the most gorgeous and romantic setting, which was guaranteed to put us in the mood for this amazing slow burn romance read that's just perfect for our summer tbr's.
I just loved the whole concept of this one.
The idea of writing and sending letters has long been discarded in favour of the more technology based options of today - but here we see it's revival as Lilou uses love letters to help people find the right one for them.
When one day, an anonymous letter arrives with her name on it, Lilou wonders if it's finally time for her own soulmate to be found.
I love that within the first few chapters, I was completely drawn into the storyline of this book. The romance of Paris, the leisurely pace of the St Ouen marketplace and walks along the Seine just sounded idyllic.
Having never visited Paris, I had nothing to go off, but the descriptive writing meant that I could easily form a clear and vivid image of the whole setting and view this iconic City through the eyes of Lilou.
This was a slow burn romance and a real heartwarming and beautiful read.
It was pretty obvious where we were heading throughout, but this didn't make the journey any less wonderful!
I loved Lilou and the rest of the characters who all added colour to this story.
It's always great to be able to relate to characters and totally immersed yourself in their world for a few hours and then find yourself still thinking about them after the story is done.
Another really enjoyable read from this author and I'm genuinely excited to catch up with more books in the near future.
Fantastic beach read that is both highy engaging and fun.
Thank you to NetGalley aan the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved every word of this book. I love Rebecca Raisin and have read everything and she's at the top of her game with this beautiful novel. I wish she could clone herself and write even faster. The plot was pitch perfect and the characters were so endearing and the setting of the flea market was exactly the way it is . Just charming and delightful and heartwarming.
I really loved reading this book. It was the perfect romance book that I needed for my July TBR. Lilou is such a funny quirky character that I felt like I could relate to. Plus who doesn't love a secret admirer.
A Love Letter To Paris is another unforgettable romance by the talented Rebecca Raisin.
It’s no secret that I adore Rebecca’s books; she is one of my insta-buy, comfort-read authors. If someone needs to read something that will cheer them up, I always recommend her books. If you are looking for a charming, heartwarming romance and sure to leave a smile on your face, pick up one of Rebecca’s books. A Love Letter to Paris was such an incredible, emotional and unique love story. This is one of those books you find yourself sinking into, and the world around you disappears. I love Paris and have always wanted to explore this city more. So, I was excited to explore The City of Lights with some delightful characters who are lucky enough to call this city their home. Rebecca transports her readers to this lush and vibrant city with wonderful descriptions and shows readers how Parisians live in this city. I love getting to explore different markets and hidden gems with Lilou.
Lilou was a wonderful character, and I felt that instant connection with her from the beginning. First, I have to say I just love her job. How cool is it to say that you sell old handwritten love letters and diaries. Rebecca masterfully weaved in some of the stories from these handwritten letters, which adds so much charm and depth to the story. It was a lot of fun getting to hang out in the marketplace, which is full of interesting and quirky characters with such fun and unique shops. Lilou’s character is an old romantic at heart. She misses the old ways of, shall I say, “courting,” where people would take the time and write love letters to one another. So, Lilou decides to create a dating site where she matches two people, who then send love letters to get to know each other. Lilou wants to remain anonymous, which proves to be rather difficult when Paris Cupid explodes in popularity. I loved the whole concept of Paris Cupid and soaked up all the secondary stories that came from that dating site. Lilou’s dating website also creates many opportunities for drama to pop up in the story (which y’all know I love). Parisians have a flair for the dramatic, which means there are lots of big emotions flying all around this story. Lilou’s growth in this story is centred on learning to trust in the power of love when it comes to her own love life. After a few bad relationship experiences, Lilou believes that love is out of the question for herself, but of course, a mysterious admire is determined to prove to Lilou that she is worthy of love.
The love in this story is sweet and oh-so-charming. There is this secret admirer spin to the romance in this story and as progresses Rebecca slowly gives her readers clues as to who it is. I loved all the quiet gestures and very sweet romantic moments in this book. I became obsessed with them and had to keep on reading because I wanted to see what this admirer would do next.
A Love Letter to Paris is an uplifting and unputdownable romance that I will be reading again and again.
I was drawn in completely by the synopsis of this book, well actually, first the title A Love Letter to Paris and then the synopsis, they both sounded like heaven and the perfect romantic read to me, I can tell you now I wasn’t wrong, it 100% was the read I was hoping for.
Rebecca Raisin has written some of my favourite stories, such as Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop, The Gingerbread Cafe series and Elodie’s Library of Second Chances -if you haven’t read these I highly recommend them as they are fantastic and you won’t regret it, in fact you will when you find out what you’ve been missing ! Rebecca writes wonderfully relatable romantic stories with great characters, with even supporting cast being So thoroughly likeable, adding so much more depth and enjoyment.
This book is lighter on romance for LiLou than I’d expect, but as so much of the story is about love, being Cupid and others love stories as well as LiLou’s it felt just right, so what did I know ! I haven’t been to Paris, but based the vivid abd beautiful descriptions I feel like via this book I have. The smells, sights abd sounds of Paris where with me as I joined LiLou on her journey. I already wanted to visit m but A Love Letter to Paris
Has reaffirmed that decision.
If you are looking for a beautiful story, set in Paris, about love and learning to listen to yourself. If you want a summer read on your holidays or just want armchair travels then I wholeheartedly recommend A Love Letter to Paris.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't care if you don't believe in romance even you will leave you feeling uplifted. The writing is so sweet and the story so fun to read. It's a feel good with a kind of homage to the dying art of love letters. It tugged on my heart strings and I did correctly gueese the secret admirers identity. . There so much romance carefully written into this and also an attempt to put it on the modern world.
Highly recommended fir anyone needing a pick me up . Perfect for romance readers but this would appeal widely.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
It's always an absolute delight to lose yourself in the latest offering from Rebecca Raisin. She's one of those authors whose books are guaranteed five stars, and that's before I've even opened the cover.
A Love Letter to Paris is a slow burn cute romance that's captivating and uplifting. Paris is the city of love - it was where my partner proposed to me - and was the perfect backdrop for our story.
The characters are charming, so easy to become emotionally invested in and relatable.
A fun and enjoyable read that's perfect for the summer months
"A Love Letter to Paris" by Rebecca Raisin is a heartwarming read that captures the magic of Paris. Lilou, a boutique owner at the St. Ouen market, secretly becomes a matchmaker under the name 'Paris Cupid'. Her service, inspired by antique love letters, brings a refreshing twist to modern dating.
Lilou's journey is sweet and charming, with the enchanting backdrop of Montmartre adding to the story's allure. While the pacing felt slow at times, the delightful characters and uplifting plot make this a 3.5-star read for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy!
This is the second Rebecca Raisin book I have read and just like ‘Summer at the Santorini Bookshop’ it’s so easy to get into the story and to get to know the characters. It’s such a lovely read where you can escape into the Parisian life of Lilou AKA the secret face behind Paris Cupid - a dating agency with a difference. But how can someone like Lilou, who is so unlucky in love herself, run such a successful dating agency?
I really enjoyed reading Lilou’s story and getting to know all the characters. Letter writing seems believable and a convincing way to start dating within the stories setting. I would love to browse around the flea market and chat to all the interesting stall holders and characters. It seems a dreamy place to live!
I would recommend this book, it is a love story with likeable characters and is an easy read, perfect for your summer holiday.
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A charming book!
Lilou runs a stall based on selling love letters and other love related items. She also runs a matchmaker service based on letter writing.
I loved the premise of letter writing. It’s old fashioned and it fits. Today;s fast world has left old traditions in the past and there’s nothing quite like getting a personalized letter rather than an impersonal text or email.
I thought I knew who the secret admirer was but didn’t know for sure until the end.
I also loved all the descriptive sites around Paris.
You can’t say love and Paris without sighing.