The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin


Sarah Smith's life is fine. She runs a bookshop in a small town in America.she has a boyfriend called Ridge who is a journalist and never home, a few good friends and her books who she loves. Her life is fine but not great, not exciting.


When her online friend, Sophie, who owns a bookshop in Paris by the Seine asks her to do a swap for a while, as Sophie needs to get away from a cheating boyfriend, Sarah quickly agrees.


Sarah has dreams of sitting in Paris reading more books, and exploring the home of great art and literature, and the capital of love, but will the reality be the same as the Paris of her imagination?


I enjoyed it, and read it very quickly. I didn't give it 5 stars because it didn't feel at all real or plausible, but a very sweet story.

I liked Sarah and I felt for her, being thrown into running this shop in Paris and no one treating her with respect. I didn't like how Sophie treated her so horribly after it was she who asked to switch places. Sophie knew things were going on besides just her heartache and she could have given Sarah more warning. I loved the bookshop and the lovely descriptions of Paris. This was a cute and cozy read.

There is always something wonderful about reading a Rebecca Raisin book, even though you’re meeting the characters for the first time you always feel like you’ve known them for years. This new novel, The Little Bookshop on the Seine is just as wonderful as all Rebecca’s books and I read this in 2 days it was so compelling. If you’ve read The Gingerbread Cafe series you will be very happy to meet up with some old familiar faces.
Sarah Smith owns a little bookshop in Ashford Conneticut and has always been quite shy with really only having her beloved books as companions. But with the help of her friends from the Cafe across the street, she has a fun filled life and a wonderful boyfriend called Ridge, a hunk of a man who’s a freelance journalist, madly in love but always rushing off to investigate the next big story. It’s in one of these moments when Sarah is feeling in a rut, lonely because Ridge has hardly been around that her friend Sophie skype’s her from Paris. Sophie is equally downhearted and in desperate need of a change and suggests the two women swap bookshops for 6 months. Sarah will go to Paris and work in Once Upon A Time, the bookshop on the banks of the Seine and Sophie will take over Sarah’s shop in Ashford. This amazing plan sounds simple enough in discussion, but when Sarah arrives at Once Upon A Time things don’t exactly go to plan and Ridge seems incommunicado, so quiet, softly spoken Sarah has to deal with mutinous staff, missing money and a whole host of other issues, all by herself.
Once again a wonderful read by Rebecca Raisin.

A lighthearted read about a young woman who, for six months, exchanges working in her own bookshop in Ashford in Connecticut for the ‘Once Upon a Time’ bookshop situated near the River Seine in Paris. She finds that she has taken on more than she bargained for, plus her long time journalist boyfriend seems to be very Illusive and can barely spend any time to chat to her on the phone.

This story was just a little too fluffy for me, although that doesn’t mean to say I didn’t enjoy it. I enjoyed reading about the bookshop itself. The title initially drew me to the book. I loved the descriptions of the shop itself, the different floors and the literary references. I also enjoyed reading about Paris and taking a tour along the many streets surrounding the shop. It’s nicely written and the imagery was excellent. Paris is one of my favourite cities, it definitely has its own aura. However, I found the characters a little two dimensional, somewhat cliched. The plot was quite predictable and the ending was too neatly tied up for me, too convenient.

I think this book would make a great beach read, accompanied by a cocktail of course! Mine’s a Mojita - cheers! It’s a pleasant, well paced and easy to absorb story, just right for a bit of escapism.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine, by Rebecca Raisin, is contemporary women’s fiction that blends romance with books and travel. A delightful pick for those who love reading, stories and wanderlust - it’s a fun book with a holiday theme.

Sarah owns a bookshop in the sleepy, small town of Ashford. A chance opportunity to swap her bookshop for another, living and working in Paris for six months, is the story’s catalyst for a romantic European holiday adventure. The descriptions of the sights, sounds and tastes of Paris are delectable, with Paris becoming another character in the novel that one can’t help but love. Sarah is charming and real as she struggles to find herself amidst the city, the bookshop - and figure out her relationship with boyfriend Ridge. Readers will root for her while falling in love with Paris and its treasures.

A light, happy read that will get you in a festive mood, The Little Bookshop on the Seine is a literary treat for those who dream of a Parisian holiday.

I am not usually a romance reader but like all book lovers, I can't resist a book about a Bookshop. The Little Bookshop on the Seine was like a fairytale, exactly how all book lovers would imagine their home away from home. Sarah as our main damsel was sweet and likable, with a cast of delectable side kicks to keep her grounded and help her on her story arc. I was hoping true love would have a different outcome but everyone got their HEA.
This was a lovely, gentle read with a healthy dose of Paris and a wonderful way to dally the day away and forget about the trials of real life.

This was a magical story about stepping outside your “bubble” and experiencing new horizons. The book is very atmospheric and descriptive of Paris. I didn’t want it to end! This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be seeking more.
Many thanks to Harlequin and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my opinion.

Sarah owns a little bookshop that is struggling – but she’s happy to spend her days reading and chatting with her friends from the café across the street, dreaming of her ‘not seen frequently enough’ boyfriend Ridge and her worries about keeping her shop viable. She’s a bookworm in all the best senses of the word – loves her books like people, makes friends with them, would rather read in than go out, and has her favorites that cause her a physical ache when she can’t lay her hands on them. But, things aren’t all good, especially not when she hears from her friend Sophie in Paris. She and Sophie have bonded over reading and the love of books, feeling that the written word is one to be cherished and honored – no matter what others may think. But Sophie’s relationship has dissolved in spectacular fashion, with her man moving on to antoehr woman in the shop next door, and announcing their relationship to the world. Sophie needs out – but cant leave her shop without a manager – and Sarah has always talked about the romance of Paris and her desire to visit. Simple solution – pack up and trade spaces – leaving Sarah in charge of Sophie’s store in Paris – with all of the associated glamor and tourist opportunities, while Sophie comes to her little town and works in Sarah’s shop.

Arriving in Paris, totally befuddled and unused to the hustle and bustle of the city, not to mention her first real trip away from home, Sarah is stunned to find a less than welcoming atmosphere in the shop, with crowds, lines and a very ‘unique’ organization of employees, part timers, hangers on and more than a bit of “French” brusqueness. The staff don’t listen to her apologetic suggestions of what needs to change, they openly challenge or ignore her, and where she hoped for time to be a tourist and wander the city are shelved for spreadsheets, balancing the books and reporting on the operations of the shop to Sophie on a regular basis. It’s going to take some doing for Sarah to find her feet and make the adjustments needed, all while sales are flagging and money is missing from the till. It doesn’t help that Ridge, who was supposed to be there keeps putting off his visits all while his phone goes ignored, or worse, answered by some woman.

From the struggles both with organization and against the “French Way” of doing things, to battles with staff and worries about sales, it will take some serious determination on Sarah’s part, along with some growth, to make a real go of her time in Paris, and when she finally finds that balance between “boss’ and “operations’ with the actual people and the chaos the ‘workers’ create with doing what she came to do, without apologizing, and a famous named author being a regular in a small upstairs room who has a sympathetic ear and a solid sense of humor – the story moves forward without dwelling too much on the struggles of small indie stores and the challenges of changing countries on almost a whim with a readable tale with a heroine that is easy to enjoy, as she muddles through trying to keep her head up and moving forward. This was a fun story that provided an escape to Paris, with it’s unique draw, and the connection to a character that will be a favorite for many booklovers out there.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

This was just a lovely book, a lovely cosy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book made me wish I was in Paris exploring the little streets and trying some of the delicious food (though maybe not the steak tartare). I also think I may now want to work in a book shop - haha. I look forward to reading more in the series - which it looks like there will be more!

Sarah (an American) and Sophie (a Frenchwoman) both own bookshops and they agree to swap for 6 months, something Sophie begged Sarah to do.

So Sarah, from a slow-paced town, comes to Paris, to a bookshop that is frantically busy and doesn't seem to have much of a rhyme or reason, especially when it comes to staffing. Poor Sarah has to sort out so many issues in this shop!! Things are not all bad though, there is Paris, after all, with its secret goods and secret cafe's that you won't know about unless a local tells you etc, I felt like I was there. Luckily, I have actually been to Paris, I could picture the different scenarios so well. I loved the orphans Christmas party.

There is a lot happening in this book and some of it wasn't so great. I felt very sorry for Sarah for most of it, between staffing issues, being homesick, not seeing much of her boyfriend Ridge, Sophie not listening to her and being very angry, it wasn't exactly roses and kittens. I didn't like Sophie one little bit, I am sorry to say. I can't believe she would BEG Sarah to come and take over her shop and then would be so horrible to her. I didn't like Beatrice all that much either and even though she changed, it wasn't enough to wipe out how horrible she had been earlier.

So, because I thought this was going to be a feel-good kind of book and there was just a little too much shade for me, I am rating this at 4 stars.

A wonderful read, a slow start but it leads to a wonderful holiday romance. I enjoyed learning about all the characters and their relationships with each other. Paris is definitely front and center and adds to the wonder of the novel and it becomes such a vital part of the story. It feels like you are there in Paris and truly experiencing it with the characters are in the story.

A total escape into life in Paris,working at a bookshop, what a dream. Sarah Smith trades places from her little bookshop in a small town in the U.S. with her friend Sophie’s bookshop in Paris. As Sarah gets to know all of the employees, and the mysterious author, she questions her relationship with Ridge. A sweet little romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy

Maybe this book needs to be read around Christmas, or maybe you need to have read the first book in the Bookstore series. Any way you cut it, this book was bad.

Our protagonist is Sara Smith. She is unlikable, and not meant to be. Her fears, introversion, and unending displays of immaturity ostensibly stem from an episode when she was 5, when she wandered off into the woods and was lost for like 2 hours. Seriously.

I can’t find many redeeming qualities. It was too hard to get past this annoyingly inept character (like a super helpless female trope) to find many good things. The writing style is more juvenile than I’m used to, and I thought it must be a YA novel. It’s not

Paris is still beautiful though. So there’s that.

For bookworms this book is totally for you.Great character development and plot was excellent. I highly recommend you read it when it releases next year.

One of the most beautiful books I have read in recent times in this genre. The book had everything which captured my heart and turned me into mush. Rebecca Raisin is a fabulous storyteller, the one who knows how to capture the spirit of the place and infuse magic in her words.

Sarah a bookseller from Ashford USA and Sophie from  Paris decided to exchange their bookshops. Sarah came armed with dreams and a desire to do something different, maybe find herself in the process. The first day itself was hectic, her baggage and documents stolen, hordes of customers in the shop, and not so cooperating staff. This book was all about transformation. Sophie found her voice and her love not only with her boyfriend Ridge but for living in the city.

Having read books by Rebecca Raisin, I was armed with the knowledge that I was in for a good time. This book surpassed my desires. It pulled me in from the first line with its hypnotic lyrical words. Something in the writing was so powerful that the book felt like a movie. Emotions caught me by the throat, sometimes in a gentle breeze and sometimes with the strong gales of a storm.

This was supposed to be my few chapters breakfast read, but I had to read it at one go. I couldn't escape the magic, I wasn't sure if I wanted to. Descriptions of Paris was beautiful, they came alive with the ink of Rebecca's words. Sarah as a character grew a rod of spine when needed. Her growth and discovering her inner strength was inspiring, to say the least.

Love and mystery of the written letters found hidden in the bookshop were the added delight. The book had everything. Nobody can do magic to a city as Rebecca Raisin does. And Paris was never more brilliantly portrayed before. A fabulous read.

I loved this cozy book! I am a sucker for any book that takes place in a bookshop, so that plus the added Christmas element made this book a shoo-in for me. I am looking forward to reading Rebecca Raisin's other books to read more about a few of the characters mentioned in this book! This book has all the makings of a sweet Hallmark holiday movie!

I received this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are given freely and are my own.

Sarah Smith heads off to Paris on a bookshop exchange with her friend Sophie. Sophie needs to flee and Sarah is feeling stuck so when the idea is proposed, Sarah things, “Why not?” Yet, while this is an opportunity of a lifetime—Paris! Croissants! People watching! —it is anything but easy. And when the bookshop and her relationship with her boyfriend suffer rocky patches, Sarah begins to wonder if this experiment has all been a huge mistake.

Overall, this was an enjoyable little book. Nothing fancy or exciting, but enjoyable. The characters were fine. Not overly enjoyable, but fine. Still, I enjoyed reading this book. After all, it’s set in a bookstore. What’s not to like?

I love reading about bookstores, book lovers, and traveling so when I came across this story, I was excited to read it. As I got into it, I realized it’s a sequel to another book that I read some time ago. I briefly thought about re-reading the first book, but realized this story was enough of a stand alone that I didn’t need to do so.

Sarah was a complete doormat and I was pleased to see her grow and change into a confident woman. It was disappointing to see that her love story with Ridge from the first book wasn’t so happy and the author had to magically create a happily ever after in the last few pages. It felt like a cop out and caused me to drop my rating from 3 stars to 2 stars.

I was looking for an atmospheric romantic story and this one fit the bill. i love stories about book shops and I wanted to crawl inside the book and enjoy this one. The characters were interesting and the story unfolded wonderfully.

Sarah Smith is a small-town bookshop owner in Connecticut. She operates her store across the street from her friend's cafe, thinking nothing of popping by for an hour to chat and catch up on life. That said, her business isn't doing so well (it may be because of the hour-long lunch breaks), her boyfriend is always traveling and never available, and a general feeling of restlessness has settled in. When offered the opportunity to switch bookshops with her friend in Paris, France, Sarah decides to go for it. There, she has difficulty transitioning from her small-town life to her new life in Paris and the employees aren't making it any easier for her.

At a certain point, I ended up skimming the novel. It was a light read but none of the characters spoke to me, neither did Sarah's inability to juggle or do anything. The plot was thin and light on the descriptions of Paris. If you're looking for something light to pass the time during the winter, this might be for you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for this advanced reader's copy. The book is scheduled for publication on 01/07/2020.