What do you think?
Rate this book
Last Chance in Paris
When her husband suggests a romantic break, Claire feels obliged to say yes but immediately regrets it. After all that they've been through, how can one weekend in Paris save their marriage? Claire and Ronan aren't the only people on a make-or-break visit to the City of Love. There is a big-shot movie producer from Hollywood, full of regret for a life ill-lived; a student from Boston, torn between love and duty; a Ukrainian refugee struggling to protect her little sister; and an old woman from Dijon, hoping to be braver than she has ever had to be before.When their lives briefly intertwine, something extraordinary happens...
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 4, 2024
Reading a fellow bookstagrammer's debut novel comes with a lot of anticipation and a certain amount of trepidation - what if I don't like it? How do I review it? Do I say nothing?!
I need not have had any such concerns when it comes to Last Chance in Paris, the debut novel from Lynda Marron who reviews books on Instagram as @sultanabun with an eloquence and thoughtfulness that offer the reader an insight into what she is like as a novelist.
In Last Chance in Paris, we meet Ronan and Claire, a young Cork couple in desperate need of reviving their flagging marriage, Harry, a hotshot American film producer with a chequered love life and a heart full of regret, Yeva, a young Ukrainian refugee struggling with life in a new city, and Mireille, a widowed French woman with a determination to confront the past. All paths converge in Paris, by the Seine, at Pere Lachaise cemetery, Sacre Coeur and many other iconic French landmarks.
I was reminded early on of French writer Valérie Perrin, so you can imagine the smile on my face when her name popped up. Last Chance in Paris is tender, romantic, poignant, sentimental in parts but never overly so, and so full of love, but if I had to describe it in one word it would be life-affirming (tears were shed). If you love a well-written story that wraps its arms around you, this one is for you. Maeve Binchy meets Valerie Perrin on the Left Bank! 4-4.5 stars
*Many thanks to @sultanabun @eriubooks for the arc via @netgalley. I have this book pre-ordered but couldn't resist an early read. Last Chance in Paris will be published on 8 February and will make the perfect Valentine's Day/Mother's Day gift to yourself, your mum, your partner, your best friend. As always, this is an honest review.
I need not have had any such concerns when it comes to Last Chance in Paris, the debut novel from Lynda Marron who reviews books on Instagram as @sultanabun with an eloquence and thoughtfulness that offer the reader an insight into what she is like as a novelist.
In Last Chance in Paris, we meet Ronan and Claire, a young Cork couple in desperate need of reviving their flagging marriage, Harry, a hotshot American film producer with a chequered love life and a heart full of regret, Yeva, a young Ukrainian refugee struggling with life in a new city, and Mireille, a widowed French woman with a determination to confront the past. All paths converge in Paris, by the Seine, at Pere Lachaise cemetery, Sacre Coeur and many other iconic French landmarks.
I was reminded early on of French writer Valérie Perrin, so you can imagine the smile on my face when her name popped up. Last Chance in Paris is tender, romantic, poignant, sentimental in parts but never overly so, and so full of love, but if I had to describe it in one word it would be life-affirming (tears were shed). If you love a well-written story that wraps its arms around you, this one is for you. Maeve Binchy meets Valerie Perrin on the Left Bank! 4-4.5 stars
*Many thanks to @sultanabun @eriubooks for the arc via @netgalley. I have this book pre-ordered but couldn't resist an early read. Last Chance in Paris will be published on 8 February and will make the perfect Valentine's Day/Mother's Day gift to yourself, your mum, your partner, your best friend. As always, this is an honest review.
January 9, 2024
Last Chance in Paris by Lynda Marron publishes February 8th with Eriu Books (Bonnier) and is described by Deirdre Nolan (Eriu) in The Bookseller as ‘a moving, uplifting tale that will delight readers.’
If you are on Instagram you probably already follow Lynda Marron under her alter ego @sultanabun and if you don’t, I recommend you do today. Simply put Lynda Marron has a way with words that draws the reader in. In her own book reviews Lynda speaks in an almost poetic language hypnotising everyone with her glorious and visual descriptions. She brings us into her home and her garden with beautiful snippets from the humdrum of the everyday, tempting us all and drawing us into her web. Lynda creates gorgeous scenes, some poignant, some happy, others beguiling but all with one thread in common, Lynda’s magic touch.
Last Chance in Paris is a story of love, grief, redemption and second chances. While it is primarily about a married couple from Cork who take a trip to Paris, it is also so much more. Claire and Ronan are struggling, with their marriage faltering in front of their eyes. After suffering a traumatic event, Ronan suggests a trip to Paris, a chance for them to regroup and perhaps rediscover the love that brought them together in the first place. Claire tentatively agrees but is on edge from the beginning. She is very much aware that she is not the same person that Ronan fell in love with and feels hollow inside. Ronan is trying hard to salvage their marriage but is grappling with even the smallest action. He is aware that Claire is tormented in her thoughts but he is determined that this trip will provide the much needed balm for both their hearts and minds.
Harrison D. Carter is a Hollywood producer with a string of successful movies under his belt but, even with all his successes, Harry is discontented. Fully aware of the trail of devastation he has left in his wake, he now looks back and sees the error of his ways. A trip to Paris, enroute home to The States, awakens something in Harry and a soul-searching journey begins. Harry has bridges to mend but will this trip to the City of Love provide him with a way forward, a path to redemption perhaps?
Dan is a law student working in Paris on a study break. His time in the city is almost up but Dan has fallen in love with more than just Paris and he has life-changing decisions to make.
Mireille Delassus is now in her seventies and has lived in Dijon for all of her married life. Her husband Rémy passed away sometime previously and Mireille is packing her bag to head off on a journey that could potentially reframe her future. Taking the train to Paris, Mireille has an appointment to keep but she is nervous of what lies ahead. She feels old and foolish but yet, she is a determined individual who decides that this really is a now or never chance at a second opportunity in life. Paris awaits Mireille but will she find what she is looking for?
Yeva is a young teenage Ukrainian who has been forced by the war unfolding in her homeland to flee to Paris. With her younger sister to care for, Yeva spends her days foraging for money and food in anyway she possibly can. They are hungry, tired and missing their papa but Yeva intends to fulfil the side of the deal she made with her father, who remained in Ukraine. She will keep them safe and will search for him until he comes to collect them.
Lynda weaves the lives of all these characters around the sights, sound and smells of Paris with an authenticity that immerses the reader from the very beginning. Like many of you I’m sure, I have been to Paris but now I have such an urge to go back there and do it differently. I want to drink Armagnac at 3pm in the afternoon and later I want to sit on the steps of Montmartre and watch the lights of the city sparkle in the night sky. I want to follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and dine at La Closerie des Lilas. I want to sit in the Jardin du Luxembourg eating wraps and drinking a coffee. I really want to recreate the trip that Lynda portrays (but obviously without all the dramas that unfold!).
In The Bookseller Lynda describes the origin story behind Last Chance in Paris giving the reader a brief insight into her life and how our paths can change from what we initially plan but somehow we get there in the end:
“The story of writing this novel began 20 years ago with a Moleskine notebook inscribed with the words ’For when I take you to Paris’. Somehow, life led me up one unlikely boulevard after another until that notebook was filled and transformed into a novel that felt like it was always meant to be. What a joy it was, then, to meet Deirdre Nolan and discover a publisher who loved my characters from the word go, and understood how to protect the heart of the book. I’m over the moon to see Last Chance in Paris published by Eriu, and I can’t wait to make readers a part of the story.”
Last Chance in Paris is a picturesque, vibrant, atmospheric and poignant debut with wonderful characters, all beautifully depicted. With thought-provoking quotes from famous writers like Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and more, littered throughout, it is clear the passion that Lynda has for her art. Don’t be fooled by the cover in thinking that this is a very light-hearted read as it is so much more than that. There are many themes raised, all handled with an expertise and sensitivity, in particular Ronan and Claires story (and if you read the acknowledgements you will see that this book is very personal to Lynda).
Overflowing with visual descriptions of Paris, a city that has had a hold on many with an artistic temperament for centuries, Lynda Marron has written a charming and eloquent novel. Last Chance in Paris is quite simply gorgeous, the balm we all need in these days of chaos. Highly recommend so get those pre-orders in now!
If you are on Instagram you probably already follow Lynda Marron under her alter ego @sultanabun and if you don’t, I recommend you do today. Simply put Lynda Marron has a way with words that draws the reader in. In her own book reviews Lynda speaks in an almost poetic language hypnotising everyone with her glorious and visual descriptions. She brings us into her home and her garden with beautiful snippets from the humdrum of the everyday, tempting us all and drawing us into her web. Lynda creates gorgeous scenes, some poignant, some happy, others beguiling but all with one thread in common, Lynda’s magic touch.
Last Chance in Paris is a story of love, grief, redemption and second chances. While it is primarily about a married couple from Cork who take a trip to Paris, it is also so much more. Claire and Ronan are struggling, with their marriage faltering in front of their eyes. After suffering a traumatic event, Ronan suggests a trip to Paris, a chance for them to regroup and perhaps rediscover the love that brought them together in the first place. Claire tentatively agrees but is on edge from the beginning. She is very much aware that she is not the same person that Ronan fell in love with and feels hollow inside. Ronan is trying hard to salvage their marriage but is grappling with even the smallest action. He is aware that Claire is tormented in her thoughts but he is determined that this trip will provide the much needed balm for both their hearts and minds.
Harrison D. Carter is a Hollywood producer with a string of successful movies under his belt but, even with all his successes, Harry is discontented. Fully aware of the trail of devastation he has left in his wake, he now looks back and sees the error of his ways. A trip to Paris, enroute home to The States, awakens something in Harry and a soul-searching journey begins. Harry has bridges to mend but will this trip to the City of Love provide him with a way forward, a path to redemption perhaps?
Dan is a law student working in Paris on a study break. His time in the city is almost up but Dan has fallen in love with more than just Paris and he has life-changing decisions to make.
Mireille Delassus is now in her seventies and has lived in Dijon for all of her married life. Her husband Rémy passed away sometime previously and Mireille is packing her bag to head off on a journey that could potentially reframe her future. Taking the train to Paris, Mireille has an appointment to keep but she is nervous of what lies ahead. She feels old and foolish but yet, she is a determined individual who decides that this really is a now or never chance at a second opportunity in life. Paris awaits Mireille but will she find what she is looking for?
Yeva is a young teenage Ukrainian who has been forced by the war unfolding in her homeland to flee to Paris. With her younger sister to care for, Yeva spends her days foraging for money and food in anyway she possibly can. They are hungry, tired and missing their papa but Yeva intends to fulfil the side of the deal she made with her father, who remained in Ukraine. She will keep them safe and will search for him until he comes to collect them.
Lynda weaves the lives of all these characters around the sights, sound and smells of Paris with an authenticity that immerses the reader from the very beginning. Like many of you I’m sure, I have been to Paris but now I have such an urge to go back there and do it differently. I want to drink Armagnac at 3pm in the afternoon and later I want to sit on the steps of Montmartre and watch the lights of the city sparkle in the night sky. I want to follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and dine at La Closerie des Lilas. I want to sit in the Jardin du Luxembourg eating wraps and drinking a coffee. I really want to recreate the trip that Lynda portrays (but obviously without all the dramas that unfold!).
In The Bookseller Lynda describes the origin story behind Last Chance in Paris giving the reader a brief insight into her life and how our paths can change from what we initially plan but somehow we get there in the end:
“The story of writing this novel began 20 years ago with a Moleskine notebook inscribed with the words ’For when I take you to Paris’. Somehow, life led me up one unlikely boulevard after another until that notebook was filled and transformed into a novel that felt like it was always meant to be. What a joy it was, then, to meet Deirdre Nolan and discover a publisher who loved my characters from the word go, and understood how to protect the heart of the book. I’m over the moon to see Last Chance in Paris published by Eriu, and I can’t wait to make readers a part of the story.”
Last Chance in Paris is a picturesque, vibrant, atmospheric and poignant debut with wonderful characters, all beautifully depicted. With thought-provoking quotes from famous writers like Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and more, littered throughout, it is clear the passion that Lynda has for her art. Don’t be fooled by the cover in thinking that this is a very light-hearted read as it is so much more than that. There are many themes raised, all handled with an expertise and sensitivity, in particular Ronan and Claires story (and if you read the acknowledgements you will see that this book is very personal to Lynda).
Overflowing with visual descriptions of Paris, a city that has had a hold on many with an artistic temperament for centuries, Lynda Marron has written a charming and eloquent novel. Last Chance in Paris is quite simply gorgeous, the balm we all need in these days of chaos. Highly recommend so get those pre-orders in now!
Read
January 31, 2024I don't know why but for some reason I thought this book was going to be a nice easy fluffy read. Predictable at all points and I'd go along for the journey. A palette cleanser of a book. Boy was I blinking wrong. At all costs this isn't a fluffy read.
Last Chance In Paris is a story which mainly follows Claire and Ronan as they go on a city break to Paris. We get to share their experiences in the city of love. And, we also learn of the heartbreak that they have endured in the past. Check for trigger warnings before reading this story, I'm sure elements of Claire and Ronan's tale could be a tough read for some.
Interspersed within Claire and Ronan's story are the other characters that are in Paris too. Harry, a hot shot producer. Dan, a student outliving his time in Paris, Mirelle, an elderly lady with a past. And two Ukrainian sisters who have landed in Paris.
"I’ve always believed that certain places are like magnets and draw you towards them should you happen to walk within their radius."
Lynda Marron writes a beautiful tale, bringing these characters together. I loved the whole element of fate that weaves its way through the story. It's enchanting
My main draw towards this book was the setting. I absolutely love Paris. And Marron captures everything that I love about Paris is the narrative.
"But that you belonged to Paris, that the city owned a tiny part of you and the same tiny part of every other soul sitting on those steps, mesmerised."
Last Chance In Paris was one of those books that surprised me. I didn't expect to be pulled into the narrative with such emotion, I found myself crying at the stories. I was well and truly invested in the lives of the characters.
"It’s better for your heart to harbour one impossible desire than none at all."
Last Chance In Paris is a story which mainly follows Claire and Ronan as they go on a city break to Paris. We get to share their experiences in the city of love. And, we also learn of the heartbreak that they have endured in the past. Check for trigger warnings before reading this story, I'm sure elements of Claire and Ronan's tale could be a tough read for some.
Interspersed within Claire and Ronan's story are the other characters that are in Paris too. Harry, a hot shot producer. Dan, a student outliving his time in Paris, Mirelle, an elderly lady with a past. And two Ukrainian sisters who have landed in Paris.
"I’ve always believed that certain places are like magnets and draw you towards them should you happen to walk within their radius."
Lynda Marron writes a beautiful tale, bringing these characters together. I loved the whole element of fate that weaves its way through the story. It's enchanting
My main draw towards this book was the setting. I absolutely love Paris. And Marron captures everything that I love about Paris is the narrative.
"But that you belonged to Paris, that the city owned a tiny part of you and the same tiny part of every other soul sitting on those steps, mesmerised."
Last Chance In Paris was one of those books that surprised me. I didn't expect to be pulled into the narrative with such emotion, I found myself crying at the stories. I was well and truly invested in the lives of the characters.
"It’s better for your heart to harbour one impossible desire than none at all."
February 25, 2024
This books flows over with regrets, grief, love, and basically life with its wild swings from elation to despair. And all set to the beat of a busting Paris backdrop. We meet a mixed assortment of characters all in Paris at the same time, and all at pivotal moments in their lives.
- A young married couple from Cork whose marriage is in jeopardy
- A middle aged man whose life is not what he wanted
- An older woman on a clandestine meeting
- A young Ukrainian woman and her sister seeking refuge
By the end of the book, I felt a kinship with the characters. Because grief is universal and some parts hit home very close to me. My heart shattered and healed as I read. But it’s not a sad book, it’s fast moving, witty, whimsical at times, and very life affirming.
The Paris landmarks were like another character. Distinct and artistic and bohemian, they made me want to book a flight. And maybe I will!
A very charming debut novel and I’ll look forward to more from Lynda Marron. There is definitely potential for another book about some of these characters too.
- A young married couple from Cork whose marriage is in jeopardy
- A middle aged man whose life is not what he wanted
- An older woman on a clandestine meeting
- A young Ukrainian woman and her sister seeking refuge
By the end of the book, I felt a kinship with the characters. Because grief is universal and some parts hit home very close to me. My heart shattered and healed as I read. But it’s not a sad book, it’s fast moving, witty, whimsical at times, and very life affirming.
The Paris landmarks were like another character. Distinct and artistic and bohemian, they made me want to book a flight. And maybe I will!
A very charming debut novel and I’ll look forward to more from Lynda Marron. There is definitely potential for another book about some of these characters too.
April 5, 2024
Last Chance in Paris is a poignant and heartfelt story of past regrets and new beginnings.
Told through multiple points of view, Marron’s lyrical prose and unique writing style build empathy for her large cast of characters. The reader is introduced to people who are broken and looking to time in Paris, the city of love, to find purpose again and a desire to move forward and find meaning again.
Last Chance in Paris is a story of love; new love, fragile love, old love and unrequited-love. A chance for reconciliations and new beginnings.
A young couple hoping to save their marriage, a widow mourning a lost love and ready to uncover a long-held secret, an old man filled with regret looking for forgiveness and two young refugees just scraping by on the streets of Paris. Each of the characters' lives intertwined and touched each other in deep and often unnoticed ways, over one weekend in Paris.
Last Chance in Paris is a beautiful showcasing of the city of Paris as the characters visit landmarks and restaurants.
Heartfelt but not heartbreaking, Lynda Marron always gives the impression that her characters are slowly moving forward. I became totally invested in the lives of the characters. This is a book you will think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
Told through multiple points of view, Marron’s lyrical prose and unique writing style build empathy for her large cast of characters. The reader is introduced to people who are broken and looking to time in Paris, the city of love, to find purpose again and a desire to move forward and find meaning again.
Last Chance in Paris is a story of love; new love, fragile love, old love and unrequited-love. A chance for reconciliations and new beginnings.
A young couple hoping to save their marriage, a widow mourning a lost love and ready to uncover a long-held secret, an old man filled with regret looking for forgiveness and two young refugees just scraping by on the streets of Paris. Each of the characters' lives intertwined and touched each other in deep and often unnoticed ways, over one weekend in Paris.
Last Chance in Paris is a beautiful showcasing of the city of Paris as the characters visit landmarks and restaurants.
Heartfelt but not heartbreaking, Lynda Marron always gives the impression that her characters are slowly moving forward. I became totally invested in the lives of the characters. This is a book you will think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
February 18, 2024
▪️
Reading.
That’s how you know you’re still alive.
Sigh.
Absolutely brilliant.
Loved it!
An astonishing debut novel
From the very first paragraph I was hooked.
Claire, so relatable. I felt I was instantly inside her mind, how she compares the spaces she inhabits to other women, her guilt nerve, her vulnerability..
All those carefully, sensitively drawn characters and their stories intersecting….so clever, so engaging.
Little moments of humanity, kindnesses, pain, but darkness too.
And loss.
Grief.
Life lived and life still living.
Thoughts shared or kept hidden in the locked cage of the mind.
Memories and lives inter-connecting.
I’m such an emotional reader and this book had so many of those gasp moments where I stop in mid sentence and admire the author’s perceptive observations of us weird and complicated and imperfect humans and I’d sigh again and marvel and say oh that is so good, so so good.
I could quote many lines that resonated, made me laugh, cry, or stop in wonder but, this last wee while has had me diving deep into my dwindling personal resilience reserves, it’s this one that gets me the most
“The ability to adapt to random shite is the human superpower.”
A beautiful, elegant, life-affirming, joyous novel.
▪️▪️▪️
February 10, 2024
For some reason I had it in my mind, that this was to be a gentle rom-com novel. However, I soon realised that the aptly named “Last Chance in Paris” was a powerful, poignant and a profoundly emotional story, that hooked my heart from the very first page.
I loved all of the characters, each with a special back story that brings them to Paris, all for different reasons. How they all unknowingly interconnected with each other was exceedingly clever and displayed a very talented author to be able to create such seamless relationships. Grief, pain, love, lost years and displacement through war, all featured within the characters lives and created for me, an instant affinity with them. There are a few emotional triggers that may affect some readers but are conducive to the reason why the characters are included in the story and these are handled with care and respect.
As I turned the final page, I gave a huge heartfelt sigh for this beautiful novel, feeling happy sadness but also bereft that the story had finished and to how one of the character’s story ended.
I had to take a long pause before picking up another book to read, to give this book the respect it deserved. I really did enjoy “Last Chance in Paris” and I’d happily recommend it, you won’t be disappointed.
#LastChanceInParis - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved all of the characters, each with a special back story that brings them to Paris, all for different reasons. How they all unknowingly interconnected with each other was exceedingly clever and displayed a very talented author to be able to create such seamless relationships. Grief, pain, love, lost years and displacement through war, all featured within the characters lives and created for me, an instant affinity with them. There are a few emotional triggers that may affect some readers but are conducive to the reason why the characters are included in the story and these are handled with care and respect.
As I turned the final page, I gave a huge heartfelt sigh for this beautiful novel, feeling happy sadness but also bereft that the story had finished and to how one of the character’s story ended.
I had to take a long pause before picking up another book to read, to give this book the respect it deserved. I really did enjoy “Last Chance in Paris” and I’d happily recommend it, you won’t be disappointed.
#LastChanceInParis - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 23, 2024
What a treat it was to read Last Chance in Paris. It might be a debut, but as soon as I started reading it I had that feeling of relief that I was in good hands. You know what I mean? I knew that I was going to like these characters and I could trust that if anything bad was going to happen, that there would also be an element of humour to get me through. And I was 100% right.
The plot is structured somewhat like a Richard Curtis film, moving between several disparate people whose connection is that they are all in Paris at the same time. Claire and Ronan are grieving after a family tragedy. Harry is a successful Hollywood director who’s weighing up the mistakes he’s made in his life. Dan has been living in Paris but needs to return to the US for his studies. Olena is a homeless Ukranian refugee. Mireille is a widow from Dijon who is travelling to Paris for a very special reunion.
Over the next few days as they intersect at various times, they will all have an impact – sometimes large, sometimes small – on one another. It’s an endearing reminder that we are all connected on this planet and that we have the ability to make one another’s paths that little bit easier.
Oh and did I mention that it’s set in PARIS? In fact Paris is practically a character – Père Lachaise Cemetery, Shakespeare & Co, Sacre Coeur Basilica and Notre Dame Cathedral all feature prominently.
So in short: this is a lovely read. It’s warm hearted, and although sad things do happen at times, overall it’s the kind of book that just makes you feel good.
The plot is structured somewhat like a Richard Curtis film, moving between several disparate people whose connection is that they are all in Paris at the same time. Claire and Ronan are grieving after a family tragedy. Harry is a successful Hollywood director who’s weighing up the mistakes he’s made in his life. Dan has been living in Paris but needs to return to the US for his studies. Olena is a homeless Ukranian refugee. Mireille is a widow from Dijon who is travelling to Paris for a very special reunion.
Over the next few days as they intersect at various times, they will all have an impact – sometimes large, sometimes small – on one another. It’s an endearing reminder that we are all connected on this planet and that we have the ability to make one another’s paths that little bit easier.
Oh and did I mention that it’s set in PARIS? In fact Paris is practically a character – Père Lachaise Cemetery, Shakespeare & Co, Sacre Coeur Basilica and Notre Dame Cathedral all feature prominently.
So in short: this is a lovely read. It’s warm hearted, and although sad things do happen at times, overall it’s the kind of book that just makes you feel good.
March 1, 2024
I found this book was a little bit overly complex in terms of the number of story threads and therefore didn't get the depth or clarity in all of the characters. I thought the main storyline with the stillbirth was absolutely beautifully written. I have experienced similar myself and I am sick of the same old tropes. This was written with empathy, compassion and a real understanding of the love and the pain of losing a baby. Overall a beautiful first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
A number of characters spend a weekend in Paris all searching for something, including a birth mother, facing mortality, rekindling a relationship after a death.
The novel reads a little like intersecting short stories. The characters are interesting and well drawn. The slow reveal of their histories adds to the pull to keep reading. And, of course, Paris - its sites, history (especially its cultural/literary history) are at the forefront of the story.
Overall I enjoyed the read.
The novel reads a little like intersecting short stories. The characters are interesting and well drawn. The slow reveal of their histories adds to the pull to keep reading. And, of course, Paris - its sites, history (especially its cultural/literary history) are at the forefront of the story.
Overall I enjoyed the read.
February 8, 2024
“I think we have to live hard, as hard as we can. Live furiously. Revel in the joy of it and suck up the pain, because that’s the deal. If you hide away from the rotten, ugly bits of life you do yourself out of the beauty of it.”
Last Chance in Paris is the first novel from Irish author (and bookstagrammer!) Lynda Marron.
We meet several different people who for a variety of reasons find themselves in Paris. Eventually some of their paths cross, and the best way to describe this is; literary magic.
This is a real joy to read. Yes, you’ll find emotional and at times upsetting storylines in here, but the overwhelming feeling I was left with was hope and a desire to go and live my life to the fullest. What a wonderful skill to have as a writer to imbue that sentiment in others.
My favorite characters are Claire and Ronan; a married couple from Cork trying to repair their fractured relationship with a weekend stay in the city of love. I loved seeing Paris through their eyes; I was only there again recently but it was so nice to experience it with them! I absolute love Shakespeare & Co., Montmarte, and the Musee Dorsay so I really enjoyed following them around on their travels as they worked through their problems.
I also grew very fond of Harry; a Hollywood movie director who finds himself completely alone thanks to his own actions; now looking for meaning in his life.
I loved all the little touches like Claire reminiscing on her teenage crush, or Harry getting a cocktail called Lilac Heart and thinking of Jeff Buckley. The references to different books throughout the story was a lovely touch too.
A book that will make you believe there are no coincidences in life, and that we’re all exactly where we are supposed to be.
I think a lot of people will really love this one, available to buy now!
With many thanks to @netgalley and @eriubooks for my early copy. As always, all opinions are my own.
Last Chance in Paris is the first novel from Irish author (and bookstagrammer!) Lynda Marron.
We meet several different people who for a variety of reasons find themselves in Paris. Eventually some of their paths cross, and the best way to describe this is; literary magic.
This is a real joy to read. Yes, you’ll find emotional and at times upsetting storylines in here, but the overwhelming feeling I was left with was hope and a desire to go and live my life to the fullest. What a wonderful skill to have as a writer to imbue that sentiment in others.
My favorite characters are Claire and Ronan; a married couple from Cork trying to repair their fractured relationship with a weekend stay in the city of love. I loved seeing Paris through their eyes; I was only there again recently but it was so nice to experience it with them! I absolute love Shakespeare & Co., Montmarte, and the Musee Dorsay so I really enjoyed following them around on their travels as they worked through their problems.
I also grew very fond of Harry; a Hollywood movie director who finds himself completely alone thanks to his own actions; now looking for meaning in his life.
I loved all the little touches like Claire reminiscing on her teenage crush, or Harry getting a cocktail called Lilac Heart and thinking of Jeff Buckley. The references to different books throughout the story was a lovely touch too.
A book that will make you believe there are no coincidences in life, and that we’re all exactly where we are supposed to be.
I think a lot of people will really love this one, available to buy now!
With many thanks to @netgalley and @eriubooks for my early copy. As always, all opinions are my own.
February 21, 2024
Ideal holiday read (but only if you're able to hold back tears in public places)
February 26, 2024
This book, which I won in an instagram giveaway by the author herself, (@sultanabun) was a really engaging and wonderful read. Set in Paris over the course of a few days, it brings together the stories of different people travelling there, and links them all through chance meetings and serendipitous events, showing how interconnected our lives are, and how the kindness of strangers can be so impactful.
Clare and Ronan, a young couple whose marriage is in strife following a traumatic loss, visit Paris to see if they can salvage their relationship and rekindle their love. There at the same time are movie producer Harry, Bostonian law-student, Dan, a pair of Ukrainian sisters, and a woman in her 70’s on a defining trip to meet someone very special for the first time. Marron so skilfully weaves these characters together in a narrative web that is beautiful, touching, whimsical and poignant. And in doing so, she brings us on a magical trip to Paris.
Paris is so special to me, a place that first kindled my love of French and all things French, and later where I got engaged, it was so lovely to revisit it through these characters. While the places were brought to life, especially my favourite Shakespeare and Co, the atmosphere was captured beautifully and I felt like I was there again. Paris is wonderfully evoked through the senses, the beautiful Sacre Coeur rising over the skyline, the noisy bustle of the gare of Saint Denis, the scents, lavender worn by Mireille, the tastes, warm spicy wraps bought from the street vendors, and the many touches, one being Clare and Harry, two perfect strangers sharing a dance.
As the stories of these characters emerge, especially the most heartbreaking loss that Clare and Ronan recently suffered, we get a great insight into their humanity and all of our shared vulnerabilities. Different things have brought them to Paris, and each is on their own trajectory. Yet, as they cross paths over this weekend, often in the briefest of moments, we see how everything matters. Often it is the kindness of a stranger, the chance meetings as we go about our days that can impact us most, and Marron captures this beautifully.
I loved the bits of French interspersed through the novel, and especially the French quotes at the start of some chapters. I also loved the book references throughout, clearly written by a book lover! I loved how Paris was captured so beautifully but most of all I loved how this book is full of hope, how these, often brief human connections are enough to keep us going, how somehow there is a greater power determining our lives and surrendering to this rather than being something constraining, can be very liberating and awaken us to all sorts of possibilities, how a conker, itself the seed of possibility, can be the tangible seed of hope that we find when we most need it.
This was a great read and the style reminded me a lot of Maeve Binchy, in the author’s ability to connect all the characters in a well-plotted narrative and in her way with words. I enjoyed reading it as part of the @anotherchapter.podcast readalong and the chats with other readers. Thanks again to the author, Lynda Marron for the prize, this beautiful book and the other Parisian souvenirs. And the conker! 😉
Clare and Ronan, a young couple whose marriage is in strife following a traumatic loss, visit Paris to see if they can salvage their relationship and rekindle their love. There at the same time are movie producer Harry, Bostonian law-student, Dan, a pair of Ukrainian sisters, and a woman in her 70’s on a defining trip to meet someone very special for the first time. Marron so skilfully weaves these characters together in a narrative web that is beautiful, touching, whimsical and poignant. And in doing so, she brings us on a magical trip to Paris.
Paris is so special to me, a place that first kindled my love of French and all things French, and later where I got engaged, it was so lovely to revisit it through these characters. While the places were brought to life, especially my favourite Shakespeare and Co, the atmosphere was captured beautifully and I felt like I was there again. Paris is wonderfully evoked through the senses, the beautiful Sacre Coeur rising over the skyline, the noisy bustle of the gare of Saint Denis, the scents, lavender worn by Mireille, the tastes, warm spicy wraps bought from the street vendors, and the many touches, one being Clare and Harry, two perfect strangers sharing a dance.
As the stories of these characters emerge, especially the most heartbreaking loss that Clare and Ronan recently suffered, we get a great insight into their humanity and all of our shared vulnerabilities. Different things have brought them to Paris, and each is on their own trajectory. Yet, as they cross paths over this weekend, often in the briefest of moments, we see how everything matters. Often it is the kindness of a stranger, the chance meetings as we go about our days that can impact us most, and Marron captures this beautifully.
I loved the bits of French interspersed through the novel, and especially the French quotes at the start of some chapters. I also loved the book references throughout, clearly written by a book lover! I loved how Paris was captured so beautifully but most of all I loved how this book is full of hope, how these, often brief human connections are enough to keep us going, how somehow there is a greater power determining our lives and surrendering to this rather than being something constraining, can be very liberating and awaken us to all sorts of possibilities, how a conker, itself the seed of possibility, can be the tangible seed of hope that we find when we most need it.
This was a great read and the style reminded me a lot of Maeve Binchy, in the author’s ability to connect all the characters in a well-plotted narrative and in her way with words. I enjoyed reading it as part of the @anotherchapter.podcast readalong and the chats with other readers. Thanks again to the author, Lynda Marron for the prize, this beautiful book and the other Parisian souvenirs. And the conker! 😉
February 28, 2024
“Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower / we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.”
I kept waiting for that Wordsworth quote to introduce a chapter, as Last Chance in Paris is very much about what remains.
I found this book to be a delight. I’m a fan of Lynda Marron’s way with words as a reviewer and storyteller—and was thrilled to hear she’d written a book.
I almost waited to read it on our upcoming 30th anniversary trip, but instead took it on a girls weekend. It’s a bit beat up now, to be honest—between the carryon bag and beach sand, but that’s a sign of a good read, isn’t it?
I realize I’m not telling you anything about the book. I think it is best to go in knowing as little of the plot as possible. It is a multi-narrative story with vastly different characters who intersect over one weekend in Paris. Marron knows how to quickly build characters we care deeply about. The last minute gift of a wristwatch—or a conker. The way helping someone else gives you perspective and courage —whether you’re merely twirling them in a public square or offering them a train ride to safety. The magic of parents and children, known and unknowable, runs through the entire story. As does a deep love of story, words and Paris.
The scenes were so vivid to me, I feel as though it’s already been adapted as a movie. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see it on the big screen in a few years. It contains sorrow, bittersweet regret and pure delight.
Highly recommended.
I kept waiting for that Wordsworth quote to introduce a chapter, as Last Chance in Paris is very much about what remains.
I found this book to be a delight. I’m a fan of Lynda Marron’s way with words as a reviewer and storyteller—and was thrilled to hear she’d written a book.
I almost waited to read it on our upcoming 30th anniversary trip, but instead took it on a girls weekend. It’s a bit beat up now, to be honest—between the carryon bag and beach sand, but that’s a sign of a good read, isn’t it?
I realize I’m not telling you anything about the book. I think it is best to go in knowing as little of the plot as possible. It is a multi-narrative story with vastly different characters who intersect over one weekend in Paris. Marron knows how to quickly build characters we care deeply about. The last minute gift of a wristwatch—or a conker. The way helping someone else gives you perspective and courage —whether you’re merely twirling them in a public square or offering them a train ride to safety. The magic of parents and children, known and unknowable, runs through the entire story. As does a deep love of story, words and Paris.
The scenes were so vivid to me, I feel as though it’s already been adapted as a movie. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see it on the big screen in a few years. It contains sorrow, bittersweet regret and pure delight.
Highly recommended.
March 8, 2024
I'm not in the habit of reading contemporary novels (especially contemporary romance), but, I've been following Lynda Marron @sultanabun from my very first days on Bookstagram. I really wanted to give her debut novel a try. I wanted to support my friend and I couldn't resist! Plus, I am intrigued by all things French.
Although it took me a while to get going with the story (somehow I was confused about Claire's age and her situation) and some of the conversational phrases made no sense to me (possibly because I've never known anyone who is Irish?), I started to feel much more invested in the various story lines at the halfway point.
For me, the most interesting and poignant chapters involved Mirielle. I just adored the description of this lovely old lady with her yellow summer hat. All of the chapters involving her (and later others) touched me the most.
I also have a soft for Harry and, the more I read about him, the more I felt frustration, but also sympathy and affection. Once you finish the book, you'll know what I mean.
I have a hard time reading novels that are focused on loss and suffering. I'm very empathetic and I tend to avoid books like this because they make me feel too much and suffer greatly along with them (even though they might not be "real"). But, if you like that type of reading experience, you will enjoy this book even more than I did.
If someone like me can have a positive experience while reading a contemporary romance, it must be good! Lynda has a writing style that is fresh, succinct and touches the heart in just the right way.
Please give Last Chance in Paris a try—you won't regret it!
4.5🌟
Although it took me a while to get going with the story (somehow I was confused about Claire's age and her situation) and some of the conversational phrases made no sense to me (possibly because I've never known anyone who is Irish?), I started to feel much more invested in the various story lines at the halfway point.
For me, the most interesting and poignant chapters involved Mirielle. I just adored the description of this lovely old lady with her yellow summer hat. All of the chapters involving her (and later others) touched me the most.
I also have a soft for Harry and, the more I read about him, the more I felt frustration, but also sympathy and affection. Once you finish the book, you'll know what I mean.
I have a hard time reading novels that are focused on loss and suffering. I'm very empathetic and I tend to avoid books like this because they make me feel too much and suffer greatly along with them (even though they might not be "real"). But, if you like that type of reading experience, you will enjoy this book even more than I did.
If someone like me can have a positive experience while reading a contemporary romance, it must be good! Lynda has a writing style that is fresh, succinct and touches the heart in just the right way.
Please give Last Chance in Paris a try—you won't regret it!
4.5🌟
April 7, 2024
Claire and Ronan, a Irish couple, take a trip to Paris for the weekend, to try and salvage their relationship after months of grief after the loss of their child (*TW*), this is a modern love story, the growth of the characters and rekindling of the love they once shared.
.
For me, it was the secondary characters who shone- the immigrant from Ukraine, the college student from Boston, the Hollywood producer- these were all great characters, and I loved their intertwined stories and how they all crossed paths in Paris, and shared parts of their stories.
.
The audiobook for this is also well narrated, and the French pronunciations are far better than I could produce while reading it!
.
For me, it was the secondary characters who shone- the immigrant from Ukraine, the college student from Boston, the Hollywood producer- these were all great characters, and I loved their intertwined stories and how they all crossed paths in Paris, and shared parts of their stories.
.
The audiobook for this is also well narrated, and the French pronunciations are far better than I could produce while reading it!
November 11, 2024
I changed how I was reading it part way through due to book being due back to library. So went from physical book to an audiobook which actually made a difference I think. The use of French throughout the book was interesting but also confusing. Overall, it was a sweet little story but I got a bit confused.
August 2, 2024
When I spotted this book was coming out, I immediately thought it looked like proper good holiday reading. I've been saving it up until now to ensure it was read in my most holiday frame of mind, and boy, am I glad!
This book is a perfect combination of light and dark, with some absolutely beautiful moments and so many pages full of heartbreak that I needed a decent handful of tissues at least four times!
There is absolutely nothing pithy about this book, so don't be deceived by the title. It covers some really tricky subjects extremely sensitively and the characters are absolutely believable. You laugh at their successes and cry in a very snotty fashion at their pain.
I loved it as much as I could have wished to. A really heartwarming delight.
This book is a perfect combination of light and dark, with some absolutely beautiful moments and so many pages full of heartbreak that I needed a decent handful of tissues at least four times!
There is absolutely nothing pithy about this book, so don't be deceived by the title. It covers some really tricky subjects extremely sensitively and the characters are absolutely believable. You laugh at their successes and cry in a very snotty fashion at their pain.
I loved it as much as I could have wished to. A really heartwarming delight.
May 30, 2024
Nice summer read
August 17, 2024
Este libro ha sido una gran sorpresa. Me ha permitido viajar y recordar la bella Irlanda, y también pasear por las infinitas calles de París. A priori parecía un libro de romance, pero va mucho más allá. Profundiza en la pérdida, el miedo, en los finales y los nuevos comienzos. Muy recomendable
September 16, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book via netgalley ahead of its release last month. I can’t believe this is a debut novel for Lynda as this book just flowed so brilliantly. Naturally, I love anything that’s set in Paris, it just conjures up such vivid images for me from my previous visits which I love. Claire and Ronan are the main protagonists of the story but their time in Paris is interwoven by others on their own journey - they all seem to meet at different times, unknowingly which just adds to the charm. This book was an easy read, it was heartwarming, emotional and hopeful. I enjoyed it.
May 9, 2024
Last Chance in Paris by Irish author Lynda Marron is a is a beautiful story of love, sorrow, recovery and second chances.
Married couple Claire and Ronan from Cork have recently gone through a traumatic event and their marriage is struggling. Ronan suggest a short trip to Paris knowing that problems should not be ignored and hopeful they can take steps to recover the love they once had for each other. Hesitantly Claire agrees to go but she doesn’t know how a trip away will fulfill the emptiness inside her. Will the depth of their heartache be the end, or is it just the beginning of something new?
Interspersed throughout the story are the lives of four other characters. Dan, an American law student is living in Paris on a study break, his time is almost over but he has a major decision to make. Fleeing from war torn Ukraine, Yeva a young refugee is on the streets trying to provide for her sister and seek a better life in Paris trying to uphold the promise she made with her father. Harry is a successful Hollywood producer who has burnt many bridges over the years making it impossible to return to those situations, releasing his errors he looks to the city of love to restore his ways. Living in Dijon for all her life now widowed Mireille is on a journey of the unknown from her past but hopeful of what lies ahead for her future.
The narrative moves along steadily, allowing readers to understand the characters’ situations and what brought them to Paris. The multiple perspectives help you understand their motivations and fears. Marron has developed each incredibly well with realistic flaws and strengths., to the extent that you really get to know them and wish for only the best outcome.
Last Chance in Paris is more impressive because it is Lynda Marron’s first novel. and I am in awe. it is a captivating story that had me reading nonstop, eager to get to the end and see how the story played out. I love how the reader is shown the exploration of personal growth and resilience in life-changing decisions. It’s a heart-warming story, one that spreads a message of hope for anyone who has loved and lost; there is always a way forward and life really does go on.
Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. You will get lost in the description and visualise yourself strolling through the city admiring its architectural beauty, along with the boulevards, the parks, and monuments whilst breathing in the smell of the street vendors and cafes. Paris is grand in the truest sense, and it will make you want to visit seeing it through the eyes of the characters. The French quotes added throughout the book was a lovely addition.
The cover has such a sweeping feel that matches the novel’s epic tale. I’m especially drawn to the use of colour palette, and type with its perfect layout. I would be immediately drawn to this nook on a shelf with its clear consideration over every detail images in the windows feel intriguing and emotional.
When a story can teach so much and be so entertaining, I consider it a success and I will look for that author’s name in the future. I highly recommend to fans of the genre.
Thank you, Beauty, and Lace, and Echo Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.
Married couple Claire and Ronan from Cork have recently gone through a traumatic event and their marriage is struggling. Ronan suggest a short trip to Paris knowing that problems should not be ignored and hopeful they can take steps to recover the love they once had for each other. Hesitantly Claire agrees to go but she doesn’t know how a trip away will fulfill the emptiness inside her. Will the depth of their heartache be the end, or is it just the beginning of something new?
Interspersed throughout the story are the lives of four other characters. Dan, an American law student is living in Paris on a study break, his time is almost over but he has a major decision to make. Fleeing from war torn Ukraine, Yeva a young refugee is on the streets trying to provide for her sister and seek a better life in Paris trying to uphold the promise she made with her father. Harry is a successful Hollywood producer who has burnt many bridges over the years making it impossible to return to those situations, releasing his errors he looks to the city of love to restore his ways. Living in Dijon for all her life now widowed Mireille is on a journey of the unknown from her past but hopeful of what lies ahead for her future.
The narrative moves along steadily, allowing readers to understand the characters’ situations and what brought them to Paris. The multiple perspectives help you understand their motivations and fears. Marron has developed each incredibly well with realistic flaws and strengths., to the extent that you really get to know them and wish for only the best outcome.
Last Chance in Paris is more impressive because it is Lynda Marron’s first novel. and I am in awe. it is a captivating story that had me reading nonstop, eager to get to the end and see how the story played out. I love how the reader is shown the exploration of personal growth and resilience in life-changing decisions. It’s a heart-warming story, one that spreads a message of hope for anyone who has loved and lost; there is always a way forward and life really does go on.
Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. You will get lost in the description and visualise yourself strolling through the city admiring its architectural beauty, along with the boulevards, the parks, and monuments whilst breathing in the smell of the street vendors and cafes. Paris is grand in the truest sense, and it will make you want to visit seeing it through the eyes of the characters. The French quotes added throughout the book was a lovely addition.
The cover has such a sweeping feel that matches the novel’s epic tale. I’m especially drawn to the use of colour palette, and type with its perfect layout. I would be immediately drawn to this nook on a shelf with its clear consideration over every detail images in the windows feel intriguing and emotional.
When a story can teach so much and be so entertaining, I consider it a success and I will look for that author’s name in the future. I highly recommend to fans of the genre.
Thank you, Beauty, and Lace, and Echo Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.
October 14, 2024
LAST CHANCE IN PARIS by Lynda Marron is published by Echo 2024
Review by Lorraine Parker
The opening words of ‘Last Chance in Paris’ pull me in immediately. A touch of humour, almost cynicism (but oh so true). Claire is obviously reluctantly on this flight and definitely sad. Irish couple, Claire and husband Ronan are lifted into the air and flying to Paris.
Is this a celebration of their fifth wedding anniversary, or is it more? My interest is piqued and I am almost annoyed to swap, in the next chapter, to Harry, a well-known director, now on his second marriage to Jenny. Jenny always made him feel better. Right now, he also is off to Paris, (without Jenny).
Meet yet another personality, Mireille who lives with husband Remy east of Dijon. Remy has monthly business meetings in Paris. She knew not to press him for details, (besides we all have our secrets). Now she has decided, five years after his death to go to Paris. Unusual for her to travel alone in her twenty year old mauve suit, topped off with a large yellow hat and of coursed her cane. Would she manage?
Our author swaps very back briefly to Claire and Ronan. Next chapter, I am almost annoyed that there is yet another personality, Ukrainian, Yeva Bortnik who has just arrived in Paris, alone. But wait, Dan is another character, an American working in an expensive Paris book shop, now selling a special book with an expensive tag to a ‘stranger’ who looks familiar. Another swap, back to Yeva with more mystery. Yeva is sharing her modest accommodation with younger sister Olena. Yeva is all of fifteen!
By now, I am wondering if I really want to continue this complicated, web of a read! (Are you as well from my ‘review’ thus far)! However, I am compelled somehow by the author’s lyrical compelling, captivating prose, as well as intrigued to know more of Claire and Ronan. It is their story!
The web or rather labyrinth is set, I am definitely ensnared and hope you will be as well. A dialogue that will take you all over Paris, with so many revelations about Paris itself as well as diverse personalities whose paths cross intermittently. A remarkable, extraordinary revelation of the foibles of humans that could only be revealed by a weekend in Paris.
So hard to believe this is a debut novel. I rate this tale 5/5. Please read.
Review by Lorraine Parker
The opening words of ‘Last Chance in Paris’ pull me in immediately. A touch of humour, almost cynicism (but oh so true). Claire is obviously reluctantly on this flight and definitely sad. Irish couple, Claire and husband Ronan are lifted into the air and flying to Paris.
Is this a celebration of their fifth wedding anniversary, or is it more? My interest is piqued and I am almost annoyed to swap, in the next chapter, to Harry, a well-known director, now on his second marriage to Jenny. Jenny always made him feel better. Right now, he also is off to Paris, (without Jenny).
Meet yet another personality, Mireille who lives with husband Remy east of Dijon. Remy has monthly business meetings in Paris. She knew not to press him for details, (besides we all have our secrets). Now she has decided, five years after his death to go to Paris. Unusual for her to travel alone in her twenty year old mauve suit, topped off with a large yellow hat and of coursed her cane. Would she manage?
Our author swaps very back briefly to Claire and Ronan. Next chapter, I am almost annoyed that there is yet another personality, Ukrainian, Yeva Bortnik who has just arrived in Paris, alone. But wait, Dan is another character, an American working in an expensive Paris book shop, now selling a special book with an expensive tag to a ‘stranger’ who looks familiar. Another swap, back to Yeva with more mystery. Yeva is sharing her modest accommodation with younger sister Olena. Yeva is all of fifteen!
By now, I am wondering if I really want to continue this complicated, web of a read! (Are you as well from my ‘review’ thus far)! However, I am compelled somehow by the author’s lyrical compelling, captivating prose, as well as intrigued to know more of Claire and Ronan. It is their story!
The web or rather labyrinth is set, I am definitely ensnared and hope you will be as well. A dialogue that will take you all over Paris, with so many revelations about Paris itself as well as diverse personalities whose paths cross intermittently. A remarkable, extraordinary revelation of the foibles of humans that could only be revealed by a weekend in Paris.
So hard to believe this is a debut novel. I rate this tale 5/5. Please read.
December 7, 2023
It is a long time since a book enchanted me like this one did. I got into bed last night and picked it up , I was around the halfway mark and couldn't put it down until I found out what happened to these characters.
Last Chance in Paris follows an Irish couple, Claire and Ronan, as they take a a weekend break to Paris. The couple have been through a deep tragedy in the previous year and while Claire has little interest in going away she feels obliged to go along but doesn't see how a couple of nights away can save their marriage. When in Pris the lives briefly intertwine with several other people , a Hollywood director regretting the choices he made in life, an American student deeply in love with a Parisian waitress, a displaced Ukrainian girl struggling to protect her sister and an older French woman about to meet someone she has been waiting to meet for almost 60 years.
This story is written with such care, compassion, consideration and just the right sprinkle of magic. Paris is like another character in this tale as its sights scents , secrets and sounds are captured in such vivid detail, I felt like I was walking the streets with these characters. I loved how their lives briefly intertwined and how each character was developed as the story unfolds. It is hard to believe this is a debut novel as the writing is so assured, Marron's writing reminded me at times of Maeve Binchys’ while remaining wholly original. I would watch this story on the big screen, it read like a movie at times.
A spellbinding read that left me feeling content and hopeful. Wishing the author every success with this book, I feel in my bones this one will be read far and wide.
5 stars.
*** One other thing and it is not a criticism as such just that I would never have been drawn to this book cover if I saw it on the shelf. That is most likely a me problem as I would have have missed out on this beautiful read but a part of me feels the cover doesn't do this book justice. More a note to myself not to judge a book by its cover.
*** Last Chance in Paris is publishing on 8.2.24
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Last Chance in Paris follows an Irish couple, Claire and Ronan, as they take a a weekend break to Paris. The couple have been through a deep tragedy in the previous year and while Claire has little interest in going away she feels obliged to go along but doesn't see how a couple of nights away can save their marriage. When in Pris the lives briefly intertwine with several other people , a Hollywood director regretting the choices he made in life, an American student deeply in love with a Parisian waitress, a displaced Ukrainian girl struggling to protect her sister and an older French woman about to meet someone she has been waiting to meet for almost 60 years.
This story is written with such care, compassion, consideration and just the right sprinkle of magic. Paris is like another character in this tale as its sights scents , secrets and sounds are captured in such vivid detail, I felt like I was walking the streets with these characters. I loved how their lives briefly intertwined and how each character was developed as the story unfolds. It is hard to believe this is a debut novel as the writing is so assured, Marron's writing reminded me at times of Maeve Binchys’ while remaining wholly original. I would watch this story on the big screen, it read like a movie at times.
A spellbinding read that left me feeling content and hopeful. Wishing the author every success with this book, I feel in my bones this one will be read far and wide.
5 stars.
*** One other thing and it is not a criticism as such just that I would never have been drawn to this book cover if I saw it on the shelf. That is most likely a me problem as I would have have missed out on this beautiful read but a part of me feels the cover doesn't do this book justice. More a note to myself not to judge a book by its cover.
*** Last Chance in Paris is publishing on 8.2.24
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
February 7, 2024
"Only an idiot would travel without a book. Only a fool, thought Claire, would prioritise clean knickers and kitten heels, ahead of reading material in The Great 10kg Baggage Challenge. And yet, here she was, flipping from the front to the back of the flight safety card. It didn't even have words, only line drawings of people calmly flinging themselves out of planes."
Once I read those opening lines of "Last Chance in Paris" by Lynda Marron, I knew I was going to love this book.
Last Chance in Paris is a feast of interwoven characters who find themselves in Paris one long weekend in Autumn. Claire and Ronan are on a lastminute.com trip to try to find themselves again after the hardest year of their lives. Throughout their weekend we are also introduced to Dan, a student from Boston who is trying to decide between love and duty; Yeva, a Ukrainian refugee who is trying to provide food and shelter for her and her younger sister; Harry, a high-profile film producer who is tormented with regret; and Mireille, an old woman from Dijon with a bright yellow hat, who is about to meet with someone she always dreamed to. ( A side note, but I pictured Miriam Margolyes as Mireille for the entire book!)
This story is filled with heartbreak and hope, love and longing, pain and finding peace. It is so much more than I ever anticipated, and really was like a big warm embrace in a book. I adored this book, and the characters within it. Lynda Marron is an incredible writer. ( Another side note: Marron means "chestnut" in French and she expertly left little chestnut references throughout the book, like a treasure hunt, that just made me smile.)
It goes without saying that this was a 5 star read for me, and my first of 5 star read of 2024! Many thanks to Deirdre @Eriu for the ebook (@netgalley) and physical advance copies. I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and honestly review this wonderful book.
Once I read those opening lines of "Last Chance in Paris" by Lynda Marron, I knew I was going to love this book.
Last Chance in Paris is a feast of interwoven characters who find themselves in Paris one long weekend in Autumn. Claire and Ronan are on a lastminute.com trip to try to find themselves again after the hardest year of their lives. Throughout their weekend we are also introduced to Dan, a student from Boston who is trying to decide between love and duty; Yeva, a Ukrainian refugee who is trying to provide food and shelter for her and her younger sister; Harry, a high-profile film producer who is tormented with regret; and Mireille, an old woman from Dijon with a bright yellow hat, who is about to meet with someone she always dreamed to. ( A side note, but I pictured Miriam Margolyes as Mireille for the entire book!)
This story is filled with heartbreak and hope, love and longing, pain and finding peace. It is so much more than I ever anticipated, and really was like a big warm embrace in a book. I adored this book, and the characters within it. Lynda Marron is an incredible writer. ( Another side note: Marron means "chestnut" in French and she expertly left little chestnut references throughout the book, like a treasure hunt, that just made me smile.)
It goes without saying that this was a 5 star read for me, and my first of 5 star read of 2024! Many thanks to Deirdre @Eriu for the ebook (@netgalley) and physical advance copies. I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and honestly review this wonderful book.
February 14, 2024
Paris may be a big city but it doesn’t stop Claire, Ronan, Harry, Dan, Yeva and Mireille’s paths from crossing. When these strangers interact their lives become intertwined forever but will Paris hold the answers that they are searching for?
I have been dreaming of a trip to Paris for such a long time and while reading this book I felt like I was there with the characters. Essentially this is a story about a group of people who are all in Paris for different reasons and they are all looking for something but what they are looking for takes many different forms depending on their circumstances. Some are looking for answers to questions, others are looking to make decisions and others are trying to work out what their next step is. Claire and Ronan have been through a traumatic event and for them this isn’t just any holiday, it is a holiday that could strengthen their marriage or lead to its complete and utter breakdown. Harry has escaped from his home in LA after witnessing something he shouldn’t, is now going over a decision that he made in his past which was frankly wrong and the repercussions its had on his life since. Dan only decided to go to Paris on a short term basis and is wondering if he should stay or return home. Mireille is very frail but decides to take a trip to Paris on her own. Yeva is a Ukrainian refugee who is looking after her little sister whilst trying to find shelter for them both. We learn a bit more about each of the characters in flashbacks so we learn about their background and the issues they have faced.
It’s difficult to describe the story other than it’s about relationships, humanity and lots of emotion. What I loved about the characters is that they were all very relatable and were dealing with things that people on a daily basis have to deal with.
One of the things I was very intrigued to find out more about was how the paths of the characters would cross and if they would cross. What I really loved about the story was that the meetings between the characters felt really realistic and natural. The story flowed well and I liked how the events took place over a long weekend.
I really liked all of the characters but I think the character that I found most interesting was Mireille because I was invested to learn why she was going to Paris and the reason behind it.
A heartwarming read.
I have been dreaming of a trip to Paris for such a long time and while reading this book I felt like I was there with the characters. Essentially this is a story about a group of people who are all in Paris for different reasons and they are all looking for something but what they are looking for takes many different forms depending on their circumstances. Some are looking for answers to questions, others are looking to make decisions and others are trying to work out what their next step is. Claire and Ronan have been through a traumatic event and for them this isn’t just any holiday, it is a holiday that could strengthen their marriage or lead to its complete and utter breakdown. Harry has escaped from his home in LA after witnessing something he shouldn’t, is now going over a decision that he made in his past which was frankly wrong and the repercussions its had on his life since. Dan only decided to go to Paris on a short term basis and is wondering if he should stay or return home. Mireille is very frail but decides to take a trip to Paris on her own. Yeva is a Ukrainian refugee who is looking after her little sister whilst trying to find shelter for them both. We learn a bit more about each of the characters in flashbacks so we learn about their background and the issues they have faced.
It’s difficult to describe the story other than it’s about relationships, humanity and lots of emotion. What I loved about the characters is that they were all very relatable and were dealing with things that people on a daily basis have to deal with.
One of the things I was very intrigued to find out more about was how the paths of the characters would cross and if they would cross. What I really loved about the story was that the meetings between the characters felt really realistic and natural. The story flowed well and I liked how the events took place over a long weekend.
I really liked all of the characters but I think the character that I found most interesting was Mireille because I was invested to learn why she was going to Paris and the reason behind it.
A heartwarming read.
June 2, 2024
I generally like to write reviews from a personal point of view. The joy of books is that every novel brings a writer and reader together and is a unique connection, as each one contributes to that relationship making every reader’s experience different. So, I try to capture that and talk about how a book made me think or feel. However, this one was even more personal than I bargained for.
The story centres mainly on Claire and Ronan, a young Irish couple who go to Paris for a long weekend after a personal tragedy to try to get their marriage back on track. It also brings in a constellation of other interesting and miscellaneous people who are dealing with their own misfortunes, failures and life decisions in parallel. But when these random characters’ lives collide, they impact on each other in small but important ways.
I lived in Paris and its suburbs for 18 years and have done my share of showing visitors around the various touristic locations so the descriptions felt very evocative and familiar to me. I remembered my own forays as I walked in their footsteps. But then, as the disastrous event that happened to the young couple and that instigated their trip to Paris was revealed, it gave me a slight shock to find just how closely it mirrored one from my own life. The writing threw me back into the moment and it was like pressing down hard on an old, fully-healed scar and being amazed to feel a twinge of pain, a dull ache that I hadn’t felt for a long time. It made tears flow but not in a bad way. Going back in time might have been a little sore but it reminded me also of how far I’ve come.
An aspect of the book that I enjoyed a lot was the blending of good humour and fun with the sadness and adversity which I think is a truer reflection of real life than novels that are unrelentingly dark or chirpily upbeat. Humour tends to pop up in the blackest of times, like a light pointing the way out.
The story centres mainly on Claire and Ronan, a young Irish couple who go to Paris for a long weekend after a personal tragedy to try to get their marriage back on track. It also brings in a constellation of other interesting and miscellaneous people who are dealing with their own misfortunes, failures and life decisions in parallel. But when these random characters’ lives collide, they impact on each other in small but important ways.
I lived in Paris and its suburbs for 18 years and have done my share of showing visitors around the various touristic locations so the descriptions felt very evocative and familiar to me. I remembered my own forays as I walked in their footsteps. But then, as the disastrous event that happened to the young couple and that instigated their trip to Paris was revealed, it gave me a slight shock to find just how closely it mirrored one from my own life. The writing threw me back into the moment and it was like pressing down hard on an old, fully-healed scar and being amazed to feel a twinge of pain, a dull ache that I hadn’t felt for a long time. It made tears flow but not in a bad way. Going back in time might have been a little sore but it reminded me also of how far I’ve come.
An aspect of the book that I enjoyed a lot was the blending of good humour and fun with the sadness and adversity which I think is a truer reflection of real life than novels that are unrelentingly dark or chirpily upbeat. Humour tends to pop up in the blackest of times, like a light pointing the way out.
January 7, 2024
Anyone who has read a book review penned by Lynda Marron, will know she’s a marvellous way with words, a natural talent. So, when I was kindly offered a review copy of her debut novel, how (and more to the point, why) would I say no?
Last Chance in Paris is, at heart, a romance, but it’s not just any old romance novel. Oh no! It’s an emotionally charged and thought-provoking story about the complexities of human relationships, love, and personal growth. Add in a perfectly described picturesque backdrop of Paris, and really, what more could you need?
Central to the story are our Cork couple, Claire and Ronan, who are on a make-or-break visit to the City of Love. They’ve both suffered immensely over the last year, but neither quite knows how to open up or just to ‘be’ around the other.
But theirs is not our only story; skillfully interwoven, we also hear from a big-shot movie producer, Harry from Hollywood, who ponders regretfully on a life ill-lived; student Dan from Boston, torn between following his heart or a heavy sense of duty; a teenage Ukrainian refugee, Yeva, who struggling to get by day to day, will go to any lengths to protect her little sister; and widow Mireille from Dijon, who needs to be braver than ever to confront a past she’s kept deeply and painfully buried.
Honestly, there’s all the emotions in this one! Last Chance in Paris is a true delight, a book with wonderfully well-developed characters that play out in your mind with cinematic vibrancy.
A splendid read, g’wan, and order a copy now; it’s out in February - hint, hint, it’d make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
5⭐️
*There are some potentially triggering subjects covered, but do DM me if you want more information.
Many thanks to Eriu Books for the physical and electronic advance copies; as always, this is an honest review.
Last Chance in Paris is, at heart, a romance, but it’s not just any old romance novel. Oh no! It’s an emotionally charged and thought-provoking story about the complexities of human relationships, love, and personal growth. Add in a perfectly described picturesque backdrop of Paris, and really, what more could you need?
Central to the story are our Cork couple, Claire and Ronan, who are on a make-or-break visit to the City of Love. They’ve both suffered immensely over the last year, but neither quite knows how to open up or just to ‘be’ around the other.
But theirs is not our only story; skillfully interwoven, we also hear from a big-shot movie producer, Harry from Hollywood, who ponders regretfully on a life ill-lived; student Dan from Boston, torn between following his heart or a heavy sense of duty; a teenage Ukrainian refugee, Yeva, who struggling to get by day to day, will go to any lengths to protect her little sister; and widow Mireille from Dijon, who needs to be braver than ever to confront a past she’s kept deeply and painfully buried.
Honestly, there’s all the emotions in this one! Last Chance in Paris is a true delight, a book with wonderfully well-developed characters that play out in your mind with cinematic vibrancy.
A splendid read, g’wan, and order a copy now; it’s out in February - hint, hint, it’d make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
5⭐️
*There are some potentially triggering subjects covered, but do DM me if you want more information.
Many thanks to Eriu Books for the physical and electronic advance copies; as always, this is an honest review.
February 12, 2024
Last Chance in Paris is a gorgeous debut novel that centres around the story of an Irish couple, Claire and Ronan. Struggling to come to terms with a tragic loss and with their marriage hanging by a thread, they visit Paris for the weekend in an attempt to reconnect.
Interwoven amongst their story are several other people in Paris at the same time whose lives briefly intertwine with theirs - Hollywood producer Harry who finds himself reflecting on a life full of poor choices, American student Dan who has found love in Paris, Yeva a young Ukrainian refugee who is trying to look after herself and her younger sister, and widow Mireille who has travelled to Paris from Dijon for a long dreamed-of reunion.
This is a book which truly surprised me - I think from the cover I was expecting a more run of the mill easy read, but this is a book full of emotion that deals with some serious topics sensitively explored.
Clever in its structure, I love the way in which Marron weaves the stories of all the characters, separate and yet cleverly interlinked, around the sights and sounds of a Paris which she truly brings to life, transporting the reader in a way which I guarantee will want you to make a trip yourself. And the characters themselves are well-developed creating an often moving but ultimately heartwarming read.
Interwoven amongst their story are several other people in Paris at the same time whose lives briefly intertwine with theirs - Hollywood producer Harry who finds himself reflecting on a life full of poor choices, American student Dan who has found love in Paris, Yeva a young Ukrainian refugee who is trying to look after herself and her younger sister, and widow Mireille who has travelled to Paris from Dijon for a long dreamed-of reunion.
This is a book which truly surprised me - I think from the cover I was expecting a more run of the mill easy read, but this is a book full of emotion that deals with some serious topics sensitively explored.
Clever in its structure, I love the way in which Marron weaves the stories of all the characters, separate and yet cleverly interlinked, around the sights and sounds of a Paris which she truly brings to life, transporting the reader in a way which I guarantee will want you to make a trip yourself. And the characters themselves are well-developed creating an often moving but ultimately heartwarming read.
May 24, 2024
Follow the story of 5 groups of people, how their lives have brought them to Paris and how they cross over each other.
Harry, a movie producer, is taking a breath after finishing his last movie. Seemingly trying to distract himself from the realities of life with the sights and art of Paris.
Claire and Ronan are trying to add some new spark to their marriage after the loss of a child. But is that all thats holding them back, does Paris hold magic to cure their heartache.
Ukranian refugee Yeva and her sister are just trying to survive, awaiting the arrival of their father so that they may have a better life. To make ends meet Yeva has choices to make, not all of them pleasant.
Sneaking away from her home in country France, Mireille visits the place her late husband used to go, she was sure it was another lover but she dare not ask. Her trip is to turn back the clock and meet someone she left long ago.
Lastly Dan, a student who escaped for a break from studies. He never planned to find love in Paris, now his future is all that more complicated.
These characters pass and cross each others journeys. The way it is written and the outcomes are heart warming. This is a cosy blanket and hot chocolate read 🩷. I enjoyed this one more than I initially thought I would. Thanks Lynnda Marron & Beauty & Lace for the chance to read.
Harry, a movie producer, is taking a breath after finishing his last movie. Seemingly trying to distract himself from the realities of life with the sights and art of Paris.
Claire and Ronan are trying to add some new spark to their marriage after the loss of a child. But is that all thats holding them back, does Paris hold magic to cure their heartache.
Ukranian refugee Yeva and her sister are just trying to survive, awaiting the arrival of their father so that they may have a better life. To make ends meet Yeva has choices to make, not all of them pleasant.
Sneaking away from her home in country France, Mireille visits the place her late husband used to go, she was sure it was another lover but she dare not ask. Her trip is to turn back the clock and meet someone she left long ago.
Lastly Dan, a student who escaped for a break from studies. He never planned to find love in Paris, now his future is all that more complicated.
These characters pass and cross each others journeys. The way it is written and the outcomes are heart warming. This is a cosy blanket and hot chocolate read 🩷. I enjoyed this one more than I initially thought I would. Thanks Lynnda Marron & Beauty & Lace for the chance to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews