Title: Secrets of Paris
Author: Luanne Rice
ISBN: 9780553587838
Pages: 337
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Summary:
Lydie McBride is completely numb after tragic events struck her family. Unbeknownst to Lydie and her mother, Lydie’s father was having an affair. No one knew what was going through his mind, what drove him to kill the woman he loved and then turn the gun on himself, but it’s left Lydie bereft. Now, months later, she moves to Paris with her husband Michael for his job, but really they are trying to save their marriage. The question is, is there anything left to save?
Review:
I’m a fan of Luanne Rice, so when I heard an older novel of hers was being rereleased in trade paperback, I was very curious. I eagerly picked up Secrets of Paris and let myself be swept into the story.
Lydie is an interesting, if frustrating, character. She is barely awake at the beginning of the book, moving through life as if asleep. Her marriage is basically a sham because she doesn’t share any of herself with her husband anymore. The reader will want to reach through the pages and shake her awake, show her what she’s missing because she can’t see it for herself. Though Lydie dreads moving to Paris, it’s actually the best thing that could happen to her because she begins to find herself again through the friendships she makes.
Indeed, the friendships are really the highlight of Secrets of Paris. Lydie meets a fellow American, Patrice, and her Filipino maid, Kelly, and it’s the drive to help Kelly that really brings Lydie out of her funk. Kelly is smart and savvy, and Lydie and Patrice both know she could do so much more than be a maid. Lydie becomes determined to help Kelly emigrate to the United States.
Secrets of Paris isn’t perfect; there are unexplored plot threads and choppy plot lines, and the Michael-Lydie storyline is predictable. But if you’re in the mood for something light and easy, and want to get lost in an amazing city like Paris, Secrets of Paris is a fun choice.
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5 comments:
I haven't read any of her books but I recently won The Silver boat from Dawn (SITFOB) and can't wait to read it.
I don't know about this one, as the main character sounds like someone who I probably would get very frustrated with. It sounds like you had some problems with her yourself. Thanks for being so honest in your review.
You caught my attention when you said Paris!
You caught my attention with Paris too! I'm joining a book blogger event called Paris in July this year, and this sounds like a good read to add to my list of Paris themed books.
I think that the idea of getting lost in the amazing city of Paris is what ultimately makes me want to pick this one up. I have this crazy strong urge to start travelling but don't quite have the means to pull it off quite yet. Until that day comes, I'll just have to read about all the fantastic place I want to visit.
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