Someday In Paris

Oh my goodness, THIS BOOK!

Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara made it's way to my inbox, and when I read the description I thought it sounded like such a lovely book.

Is Paris and romance cliche? Probably, but who cares? Why do we discredit the things that bring us comfort?

A little background:

Finding the one is only the beginning...

1954. Zara is fifteen the first time she meets Leon. During a power cut in a small French museum, the two spend one short hour in the dark talking about their love for art, Monet and Paris. Neither knows what the other looks like. Both know their lives will never be the same.

1963. In Paris, Leon no longer believes he will ever find the girl he lost that night. After dreaming about him for years, Zara thinks she has already found him. When they meet at an exhibition, they don't recognize each other – yet the way they feel is so familiar...

Over the course of twenty years, Zara and Leon are destined to fall in love again and again. But will they ever find a way to be together?

'It's about dreams and taking chances. Missed opportunities and mistakes. Loss and sacrifice. But above all, it is about love. The kind of love that survives time, distance... even death. The kind of love I wish for you.'

I figured with so many of us stuck in quarantine, and unable to travel, this could ease some of the longing in my heart for a summer in Paris.

What I expected was a romance I could read in the sun, maybe with some wine, or lounging in the yard. Something light but entertaining. Something to relax and enjoy before we bid farewell to summer.

Want to know what I got?

Heartbreak. Then hope. Then heartbreak. Then hope. And then back and forth until, well, I can't tell you which, you'll have to read to find that out.

Sprinkled between the heartbreak and hope was a little anger and a lot of longing for a vacation.

But it isn't just an emotional roller coaster. So much of this book builds tension and anticipation. I was waiting on the edge of my seat for these soulmates to finally find their way back to each other. But when? Where? How?

I needed to know!

I needed to know so badly, that I essentially read this book in just one sitting. I didn't intend to do that, but when I picked it up I had time to read, and then suddenly I found that I couldn't put it down.

But Olivia Lara doesn't just weave together your typical soulmate story with two likable characters. There's the aspect that soulmates are connected by dreams. That this connection has been lost throughout society. Except the women in Zara's family, they have somehow held on.

The ability to feel this connection through dreams can be a blessing or a curse. But which will it be for Zara?

And the Monets!

I loved the aspect of art history in this book. As someone who loves going to museums, of all kinds, and having a special place in my heart for Monet, that detail of the story had me falling in love even more!

I had so fallen in love with the story and the characters and just the twists and turns that life throws at us, that as I was reaching the end, I would just grab Greg, because I needed to hold on to something. Or, I would say "oh my god no!" out loud.

When I turned to the last page, I had big fat tears rolling down my cheeks.

If you're in the mood for an epic romance, this is it.

You can get Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

While you're adding things to your cart, here are my recommended book pairings!

French Rosé - from Prophecy Wines

I love rosé, and I love Prophecy Wines. Their French Rosé is exactly what you need with this book. A crisp and refreshing rosé with notes of strawberry and raspberry. A summery treat! Part of my obsession with Prophecy Wines is their gorgeous wine labels. On this bottle you'll find the Goddess of Fortune. Fitting because throughout the book you'll have your fingers crossed that everything works out!

Passes to your local art gallery!

Yes, Monet is wonderful. I've been in love with the Water Lillies for as long as I can remember. But there is so much more to the art world that the big names! Check out your local art museum if you can, or spruce up your home space by purchasing something from a local artist. With all of us spending so much more time at home, it's a great way to explore art, add something interesting to your space, and support local artists and creators!

A Paint by Number Kit!

All this talk of art and all these emotions and memories tied to it, might have you wanting to explore your artistic side. No problem! You can even make your own Monet! This Paint by Number Kit for Poppy Fields by Claude Month from MyPaintByNumbers is available on Etsy, for only $20!

It's a great way to spend an evening. And if you pair it with the rosé from Prophecy Wines, above, you have your very own Wine & Paint night!

If you're still not sure about picking up a copy of this book, don't just take my word for it! Check out all the other reviews on the Someday in Paris blog tour!

Right now, you could be one of 50 lucky winners to win a Kindle copy of Someday in Paris! You can enter the giveaway on Goodreads, here!