Review: Paris Is Always A Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

Genre:
Romance

Format:
E-ARC

Publisher:
Berkley

Release Date:
July 21, 2020








Synopsis from Goodreads:

It's been seven years since Chelsea Martin embarked on her yearlong post-college European adventure. Since then, she's lost her mother to cancer and watched her sister marry twice, while Chelsea's thrown herself into work, becoming one of the most talented fundraisers for the American Cancer Coalition, and with the exception of one annoyingly competent coworker, Jason Knightley, her status as most talented fundraiser is unquestioned.

When her introverted mathematician father announces he's getting remarried, Chelsea is forced to acknowledge that her life stopped after her mother died, and that the last time she can remember being happy, in love, or enjoying her life was on her gap year. Inspired to retrace her steps--to find Colin in Ireland, Jean Claude in France, and Marcelino in Italy--Chelsea hopes that one of these three men who stole her heart so many years ago, can help her find it again.

From the start of her journey nothing goes as planned, but as Chelsea reconnects with her old self, she also finds love in the very last place she expected.

My Review

Seven years ago Chelsea Martin was enjoying herself in Europe visiting places such as Ireland, Paris and Italy. She had a carefree life with much romance in each country. Then, tragedy struck and she had to return home to her mother, who was dying of cancer.

This turned Chelsea’s life around. After losing her mother, Chelsea threw herself into her work as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Coalition. While everyone else was enjoying life, Chelsea wrapped herself in her job.

When her father announces he is remarrying, Chelsea is furious. He has only known Sheila for two weeks. Chelsea’s sister is thrilled for their father and adores Sheila, but Chelsea is having none of that. Her sister convinces Chelsea that her happiest days were during her European adventure and that she should retrace her steps to find happiness and love once again

Chelsea takes a leave of absence from her job and heads back to Europe in the hope that one of the men she fell in love with seven years ago can help her find love once again. Chelsea finds that life changes and love can turn up in the most unexpected places.

I have to admit, I wasn’t overly fond of Chelsea in the beginning. I thought she was too close minded to her father’s choices. I was also a bit doubtful about trying to relive something that happened seven years ago and expecting things to stay the same. Seven years is a long time.

As the story progressed, Chelsea began to grow up. I liked her more and cheered for her to open her eyes to what was right in front of her.

The title may be a bit misleading as only part of the story is set in Paris, but her trips to Ireland and Italy were equally as lovely. The author did a great job at transporting me through Europe with Chelsea. The scene at the Eiffel Tower is so sweet.

This book is a charming story of rediscovery, love and acceptance. There is sadness as Chelsea continues to grieve for her mother, but there is also hope for her future happiness. By the end of the book, I had tears in my eyes. It is a “feel good” type of read.

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.