Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an Arc in exchange for an honest review.

I actually read this book 10 years ago and when I saw it on NetGalley, I decided to read it again. I'm happy to say that it still holds up as a sweet and engaging read. The premise is so unique and if you're a fan of the movie, Amelie, then you'll for sure love this book as well.

Netgalley ARC.
A charming and whimsical novel that explores the serendipitous nature of life, love, and human connections. Written by the French author, the book blends elements of romance, mystery, and a bit of Parisian magic to create a heartfelt and captivating read.

The story revolves around Laurent, a bookseller in Paris, who finds a woman's red notebook on the street. As he flips through its pages, he becomes intrigued by the life of its mysterious owner, whom he believes has lost her memory after a violent attack. The red notebook holds personal notes, fragments of thoughts, and an insight into the woman’s life that Laurent finds captivating, even though he knows nothing about her. As he embarks on a quest to return the notebook to its rightful owner, Laurent's life is forever altered.

One of the novel's strengths is its vivid setting. Laurain effortlessly paints a portrait of Paris, not through touristy landmarks but by showing the intimate, everyday moments that occur in its quieter corners—the kind of Paris that exists beyond the postcards. The city becomes almost like a character in itself, with its cafes, bookstores, and cobblestone streets serving as a backdrop for the unfolding of Laurent's journey.

The novel’s pacing is gentle, reflective, and unfolds at a leisurely pace, giving ample time for the reader to become invested in the characters. Laurent is a relatable and likable protagonist, whose obsession with the notebook feels grounded and believable. His interactions with the people around him, particularly his attempts to track down the notebook's owner, add a layer of light humor to the narrative.

A good story. Finding a red notebook within a purse leads the bookstore owner to seek out the owner. She had been attacked and is in a coma. Enjoyed this one, and the back and forth story line worked well. The ending felt a little abrupt, but otherwise really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for an eARC. A woman is mugged and her purse is stolen. The next day a man finds the purse and goes on an adventure to find the owner. A cute romance that made me smile. I enjoy this author’s writing style. It is a French book that has been translated. Hope to read more of their work.

This book felt as if I were reading a beautiful, contemporary classic! A story of circumstance, second chances, and love. I wonder why I haven’t read other books by this talented author until now. Can’t wait to read more!

In brief moments of lucidity in a Parisian hospital, Laure drifts in and out of a coma. Her thoughts wander to memories. Meanwhile, Laurent happens upon a woman's handbag. Historically, the only times he has peeked inside such bags was with permission and for only a few seconds so he is reluctant to search. However, he knows how important handbags are to their owners. Besides, he was curious, especially when he discovered a red notebook filled with unusual lists and thoughts. He found no identification but he was determined to reunite the owner and her bag. Besides. This was interesting stuff! The owner had to be quirky...what if she was a match for him?

I like that the characters are middle aged and intriguing. I got bits of privacy intrusion feelings but don't believe that was the author's intention. I don't know that I would classify this as romance, though. The writing is wry, engaging and witty. I seldom read novellas as it is difficult to get into meaningful depth. I'm not sure what to think about The Red Notebook. In ways I enjoyed its quirkiness and originality yet can't completely shake Laurent's sneakiness. All in all, this was a like versus love reading experience for me.

This was a heartwarming and unique take on a romance book. Laurent finds a bag which he then decides to find the owner of, with only possessions as clues. It was definitely a different sort of romance book but still a good one that was interesting to read although predictable. If your a fan of romance books then I’d recommend it:
Not sure if this was because it was an arc but there were no chapter numbers which was annoying.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.