The Little Paris Toyshop by Lauren Westwood

Release: June 1, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: The Empowered Author Limited
Source: Rachel’s Random Resources

Find it at: Goodreads, Kindle, Amazon

In the tangled streets of Paris, there is a toyshop…

A place where memories are lost and found, where pain and love, regret and joy are waiting to be discovered.

The old man sets the animals in the cars of the miniature train. A tiger with a jewelled collar, a monkey in a pillbox hat, a poodle, a dancing bear, an elephant, an ostrich with plumed tail feathers. The music plays; the animals trundle around the track. Their gentle faces have seen everything and reveal nothing. The joy, the sorrow, all the spaces in between. On the outside, they are smiling. Inside, they mourn the one that was lost.

When Sarah, a successful hotel designer, encounters a run-down toyshop in Paris, little does she know that her life is about to change. Against her better judgment, she agrees to help the elderly owner, Franz, save his shop and transform it into a magical destination for children and adults. She meets Tomas, a small-time crime novelist, who gives her a glimpse of a different life – one that can only exist on the other side of her own grief and guilt. But Tomas is hiding painful secrets of his own that threaten to destroy their blossoming relationship.

Can two lonely people move beyond the shame and heartbreak of the past to find their own happily ever after?

A spellbinding tale of love and memories lost and found. Perfect for fans of Joanne Harris’s Chocolat, Karen Swan, and Jojo Moyes, The Little Paris Toyshop will hit every emotion for readers who love literary romance.

AuthorBio:

I write emotional women’s fiction and intelligent romance. My books explore the darkness and the light of the human spirit, and take you on an emotional journey. My latest book, The Little Paris Toyshop, is a spellbinding tale of love, loss, memory, and Paris. Discover the magic and romance today.

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The Little Paris Toyshop Review:

Firstly, I’d like to highlight the captivating Parisian setting that lends a wonderfully romantic atmosphere to the story. The author immediately drew me into the world when I saw the cover and started reading. The characters’ serendipitous encounters and subsequent personal growth have struck a chord.

While the story’s length might give pause, it’s truly a gem due to the author’s skilled narrative. By adroitly shifting the focus between Sarah, Tomas, and Franz, the author weaves a tapestry of emotions that takes readers on a journey of love, transformation, and fresh beginnings. Each character adds a unique dimension to the narrative by navigating challenges in their distinctive ways, and observing their growth has been a rewarding experience.

I hold all three characters in high regard, but Franz has undoubtedly left a lasting impression. His willingness to confront a less-than-ideal past and embark on a path of personal growth is depicted nicely. Tomas, too, captures our attention as he wrestles with inner conflicts and strives to make amends.

Similarly, Andre and Mathilde deserve special mention, with Andre’s journey standing out as he confronts his fears head-on. Mathilde’s complex portrayal, tinged with bitterness, adds depth to the story, and the unfolding dynamic between these characters is particularly engaging.

The narrative effectively delves into relationships’ intricate nuances and challenges, especially when grappling with past mistakes and seeking resolution. The candid exchanges between Tomas and Sarah are a highlight, compelling them to confront their emotions and address unresolved tensions. Similarly, Franz and Mathilde’s bond adds a heartwarming touch that resonates deeply.

Overall, “The Little Paris Toyshop” is a beautiful story that will move you if you are in the mood for touching drama.