Review: The Paris Key by Juliet Blackwell

Title: The Paris Key
Author: Juliet Blackwell
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
Publication Date: 26th August 2015
Pages: 384
Book Source: Penguin Books Berkley/NAL

Synopsis: As a girl, Genevieve Martin spent the happiest summer of her life in Paris, learning the delicate art of locksmithing at her uncle’s side. But since then, living back in the States, she has become more private, more subdued. She has been an observer of life rather than an active participant, holding herself back from those around her, including her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

Paris never really left Genevieve, and, as her marriage crumbles, she finds herself faced with an incredible opportunity: return to the magical city of her youth to take over her late uncle’s shop. But as she absorbs all that Parisian culture has to offer, she realizes the city also holds secrets about her family that could change her forever, and that locked doors can protect you or imprison you, depending on which side of them you stand.

My Thoughts: 

Ooh I loved this ... falling in love with a cover paid off this time.

Why I loved it? ... just because. Does that cut it? It's a story that spoke to me for no one reason I can put my finger on ... it just did. 

... "there is something delightful about helping a key find its way back to a lock, so it can do the work it was meant for. "

"Are you going to let yourself be defeated by a little lock? Remember Genevieve: Love laughs at locksmiths! Trust your old uncle."

The story moves seamlessly from Genevieve in the present day to her time in Paris as a teenager staying with uncle Dave and tante Pasquale, to her mother Angela's bittersweet time in Paris. I was captivated by it all. 

I loved the symbolism ... secrets, locks ... opening your heart to new experiences, life and love.

All the talk about boulangerie's, baguette's, pain au chocolat had me longing once more for Paris. 

The story felt like Paris ... that beguiling mix of old fashioned values and sophistication, lingering over conversations, good food and wine, enjoying simple pleasures. 

Walking in Paris with Genevieve felt intimate, discovering along with her, places I've visited and some I'm adding to the bucket list ... Village Saint-Paul, Montparnasse cemetry, Le Pont Traversé (the old butcher's bookshop.) I loved her interactions in Paris, her struggles with French bureaucracy and efforts to learn the language.   

I adored Genevieve's Parisian friend Sylviane. I could read a book about her ... how 'bout it Juliet? 

The Paris Key is a story about secrets, family, friends and discovering one's true self ... in Paris. 

It's warm and touching and delightful. 

A just-because-favourite-read this year. 

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Linking up with Paulita's Dreaming of France meme over at 

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