This was such a moving and pivotal read about star-crossed lovers and their story to "happily ever after." As this novel takes places over several decades, it invites the reader along to feel all of the heartbreaking (at times) and joyous moments these characters experience. There were times when I was thinking, "No... it can't be!"

Second, I really enjoyed the historical and artistic perspective this novel plays in the character's lives, which adds another dimension to the development of the story. Overall, this story has the reader believe in "true fate" - is there really such a thing? I hope so!

What a treasure this book is! Epic, romantic, magical. A book we've all dreamed of. I will be putting this book in the hands of so many friends who I know will love it very bit as much as I do. And I cannot wait for Olivia Lara's next one!

Wow! This book was a massive rollercoaster ride, and possibly the most unusual ‘Will they? Won’t they?’ book I have ever read. When Leon and Zara first met, they were completely in the dark, both literally and figuratively, so when they parted they had no idea what one another looked like. They both believed that fate had brought them together, and when tragic circumstances stop them again and again, it sometimes feels like they will never get together.

I was blown away by the catalogue of near misses that happened to them, and I am just not sure that I could ever put into words just how epic this romance is. The cast of minor characters provide catalysts that take Zara and Leon in directions they should not have gone, but are also responsible for bringing them tantalisingly close to one another again and again.

I spent the entire time I was reading this book desperately hoping they would be brought back together, and it was all so frustrating, when a situation occurred that separated them again. I’m so sorry, I don’t want to be too specific and give any of the massive spoilers away, because you really should read this book for yourself!

I’m a Francophile so was drawn to this book, not only for the locations, but also for the art, but you honestly do not need to know much about art or even France to be drawn into this book. This book is about a love that crosses continents, and endures the most devastating of experiences, and it keeps you wanting more.

Wow! This has made me think of all the epic love films which have touched me over the years: Brief Encounter, Mayerling and Love Story spring to mind . . . but this is more - so very much more.

Zara is just a young girl who adores art when she first meets Leon in a small French museum during a power cut; despite each having no idea of what the other looks like, they both sense a deep connection. Over the next decade neither forgets the other - but, with everything which happens will they ever come together again or are they destined to live on only in memories?

If this story doesn't touch your soul, then I suspect you need a search party! It has taken me to the high peaks of hopes, to the depths of despair - and back again. I feel quite wrung out! An emotionally charged read - and completely unpredictable - it is an exceptional novel, and one of those that it's really hard to put down in case the characters get up to something that you miss! Bursting with love, passion and doubt, I had no way of knowing how it was going to end and certainly have no intention of giving it away now. I'm in awe that any author could produce this beautiful, unforgettable romance as their debut. A stunning, exquisite, never-to-be-forgotten story which I fully expect to race to the top of the bestseller's list! A full five wonderful, sparkling stars from me.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Vicky Joss for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

As the blurb states, this is an ongoing love story spanning from the fifties forward between Zara and Leon. Women in Zara’s family start having dreams in their teenage years that some believed to be premonitions about finding their great love in life. Zara and Leon meet in the dark while the power is out and talk for about an hour, both walking away feeling the first pangs of love. The rest of the novel is a series of both fortunate and unfortunate events either keeping them apart or pushing them together. A variety of secondary characters ranging from family members to lovers come into play throughout the novel, but overall the story is a love story about a couple that met as teenagers, not knowing what either looked like until many years later, but always feeling that connection to one another.

I admired Olivia Lara’s character development in this novel which truly made me feel as if I knew both of the main characters very well, as if we were old friends. I also loved the romantic and almost supernatural vibe associated with Leon and Zara’s relationship. The plot was unique, characters were engaging, and it easily held my interest from beginning to end.

Unfortunately, I do have a tiny bit of criticism. First, it was really long (I think around 420 pages or so). As invested as I was in the story, I got to the point where I was more than ready for everthing to wrap up. My other issue has to do with some major events in the novel, which I won’t identify because of spoilers. In fiction novels whether it’s romance or science fiction, readers have to suspend disbelief every once in awhile or the book just isn’t any fun. If you constantly think that something couldn’t happen or no man is that perfect, and so on – what’s the point of reading fiction? However, suspending disbelief was difficult for me while reading this because so many bad things happened to all of these characters. I’m not sure if they just all had the worst luck on earth, if they were cursed or what. But for all of these things to happen in a few people’s lifetimes was a bit of a stretch for me.

Nevertheless, this was an emotional and moving romance that I think everyone will consider a HEA ending. Romance lovers, especially those that enjoy storylines associated with fate or kismet, should add this one to your TBR now! Congrats to Olivia Lara on a wonderful debut!

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!

I have to be honest and say that I don't usually read romance novels on a regular basis. They do say that a change is as good as a rest though and so I started to read 'Someday In Paris'. I can honestly say that this is the sort of book, which is guaranteed to tug on even the hardest of heartstrings (ie: mine). I really enjoyed reading 'Someday In Paris' but more about that in a bit.
I must admit that it took me a little while to get into this story. I didn't exactly have my focused head on and so my concentration wasn't what it should be. Once I got into the story though that was it. I immersed myself so deeply in the story that I managed to shut out all other distractions and focus solely on the story. 'Someday In Paris' really did become addictive reading. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to fill in the odd half hour but I would be so engrossed in the story that I ended up reading a lot more than any couple of chapters and I ended up reading for a lot longer than half an hour. Despite my efforts to prolong my enjoyment of the book by rationing how much I read at once, I soon got to the end of the story, which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that in a negative sense. I had been enjoying the author's writing style, the characters, the storylines and the setting of the story so much that I just wish that the book could have been longer.
Olivia has one of those easy going writing styles that reads more like a chat between friends than an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Olivia describes her characters so well that they seemed to spring off the page and seemed just as real as you and I. Olivia drew me into the story from pretty early on and I had to keep reading to see how the story would pan out and the implications that this would potentially have on the lead characters. I felt as though I was part of the story and that's all down to Olivia's very vivid and very realistic storytelling.
In short, I really did enjoy reading 'Someday In Paris' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will be reading more of Olivia's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 5* out of 5*.

I loved this story. I got totally caught up in Zara and Leon’s lives. If you are a romantic keep the tissues nearby. I loved the setting and how Zara and Leon met. I liked everything about this story. I felt like I knew the characters and that I could feel the love and loss they felt. I would definitely recommend this book. I will be looking out for other books by this author.

Olivia Lara’s Someday in Paris should come with a warning: make sure you have a box of tissues nearby when reading this book because this heart-wrenching weepy is sure to make you cry buckets.

It’s 1954 and fifteen year old Zara is at a small French museum letting the beauty and majesty of Monet and all of her favourite artists overwhelm her as she finds herself blown away by all the splendour and artistry on offer. Zara thought that her love of art was enough, until a power cut takes place that plunges her headlong into love and into the path of a man who will transform her and change her life forever. For an entire hour, she talks to a man called Leon about love, art and Paris and falls completely and utterly in love. Yet, when the power is restored, Leon disappears and Zara is left to long and yearn for the man she has fallen in love with. A man whose face she would not be able to recognise, but who had claimed her heart and made it his.

Years pass and both Zara and Leon find themselves unable and unwilling to leave the past behind. That encounter in 1954 had transformed their lives forever, but in almost a decade fate hasn’t found a way to bring the two of them together again. Circumstance had united them once and while the passion they feel for one another still burns as bright as ever, Zara and Leon seem destined to spend the rest of their lives apart, never recapturing that electrifying moment which had changed them forever. After years of searching, Zara and Leon find themselves at an exhibition again and although they don’t recognise one another, the way they feel about each other certainly hasn’t changed. As years go by, Zara and Leon fall in love again and again, but will they ever find a way to be together? Or is theirs a love that is simply not meant to be?

If this book doesn’t break your heart, I don’t know what will. A powerful love story that will take your breath away, Someday in Paris is a captivating tale of love lost and found, desperate sacrifices and taking chances that stirs the soul and will have you desperately turning the pages and blinking away the tears.

Olivia Lara is a talented storyteller who with Someday in Paris has penned an exquisitely written, poignant, dramatic and hopeful love story one which you will not easily forget.

Finding the one is only the beginning...

1954. Zara is fifteen the first time she meets Leon. During a power cut in a small French museum, the two spend one short hour in the dark talking about their love for art, Monet and Paris. Neither knows what the other looks like. Both know their lives will never be the same.
1963. In Paris, Leon no longer believes he will ever find the girl he lost that night. After dreaming about him for years, Zara thinks she has already found him. When they meet at an exhibition, they don't recognise each other – yet the way they feel is so familiar...
Over the course of twenty years, Zara and Leon are destined to fall in love again and again. But will they ever find a way to be together?

With a synopsis like that I had no choice but to read Someday in Paris. What I got was an epic love story that hit me right in the feels!

Full of near misses and almost moments, this story made me happy, sad, frustrated and hopeful all at the same time.

I can’t say much without spoiling the book but there were times where I knew exactly what was coming, and times where I had to accept that I might get an ending appropriate for the characters but not one I would have chosen or wanted.

If you’re an incurable romantic (like me), a fan of soul mate stories or believe in destiny, then Someday in Paris is definitely for you.

Evocative, emotive and hopeful, this is a story about love in all forms.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Aria Fiction) for providing a copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.

A magical romantic tale. Full of love, pain serendipity and tragedy. Fate and faith are instrumental in this gently paced tale. It's perfect escapism to give flight to your belief in magic and romance. Told from two viewpoints its character-driven, but the setting is vital and almost a character too.

Leave your weary cynicism behind and get lost in this timeless love story.

I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus -Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

5 "Anything Can Happen" Stars!!

Someday in Paris is a beautiful story. Hands down, this is an incredible, at times heartbreaking, book about finding one's soulmate but then struggling to hang on to them. The book starts out with a discussion between a grandmother and her grand-daughter about love and making a magical connection with "the one." It leads to the grandmother sharing her own story and the majority of the book details that account. I loved the flashbacks to the past with little snippets in the present day.

There's a lot to this story and I'm not going to overshare because I really feel that it's best if you learn everything as you're reading it yourself. It will make for a much richer reading experience. I will just say this book is written in a way that it feels different from anything I've read in a while....that's another reason I enjoyed it so much. The storyline is woven together seamlessly in a way that naturally draws in the reader. To me, this book really did take on a somewhat magical quality. One of the things that initially led me to read this book was the pretty cover. I was very pleased to discover that the words inside were every bit as lovely.

"Maybe in another life, or maybe in my dreams."

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is fantastic! I've loved every page of it! Such a truly romantic and unique love story.

I really liked the way the story was told from both Zara's and Leon's point of view. By the end of the book, it felt as if the reader knew everything about these two characters and it was so easy to imagine exactly what these two would be like.

The depth and different layers to this storyline were incredible! So many up's and down's, love and losses, passion and heartbreak. I am certainly looking forward to reading more by this talented author!

I cannot express just how breathtakingly beautiful this is!!
If I was one of those reviewers who rated books then this wouldn’t be a mere five stars, this would easily be a ten-star book. Honestly, there aren’t enough words to fully describe just how beautiful this is; it’s incredibly moving, magical, unforgettable, enchanting, full of everlasting love.
“…nothing is more important than love. In all shapes and forms, at all ages and no matter what the ending. Love is the destination, the journey. Love is the reason.“
Is that one of the most beautiful quotes, or what?
Believe me, this perfect book is full of positive and powerful ‘it’s all about love’ moment that I could weep…something I did more than once while reading this, it does turn you into a human watering can at times.
Easily one of the most romantic books I have read, it settles itself into your heart and refuses to leave, this is a book that will be talked about, read and loved for many, many years to come. If you love ‘The Notebook’ then this is the book you absolutely need to read, it feels like I have been apart of something very special by being apart of this blog tour and having the opportunity to review this exquisite book, it leaves its mark on every reader who dares to open the first page.
I do realise that I am waffling and this review will probably make no sense at all, but my thoughts are so scrambled, I want to say so much about this, yet my brain won’t connect with my fingers on the keyboard and they are just typing nonsensical waffle.
Honestly, I best actually say something about the story instead of fulling this review with lots of heartfelt gushing.
The story opens to an old lady who has ‘dreams’ telling her granddaughter a very special story, as she tells the story we are whisked back in time where we meet Zara and Leon; two teenagers share a love of art and who after spending a power cut they are torn apart by circumstances and over the course of twenty years they become entwined in what I think is one of the greatest new love stories on the time; one of which is full of missed chances, hope, loss, sadness, laughter, joy and of course love.
I absolutely adored every aspect of this book, I loved the beautifully poignant plot which swept me away, the characters are perfect the love that swirls around Zara and Leon is magical, they are instantly likeable and you know from the moment of meeting them that they will take you on a memorable journey. The setting of Paris the most romantic city in the world and the intricately entwined love of art is the perfect backdrop to this epic love story and it makes you dream of Paris, I do have a real soft spot for Paris as it is; even though I have never stepped foot there I have this pull towards this beautiful and historic city which made reading this book even more special.
This book is like a rare gift to every romantic heart who craves a true, unquestionable love story, Olivia Lara I want to hug you, bow down to you and thank you for bringing such a joyously beautiful and memorable story to the world.
I am astounded that this is Olivia’s debut book, this is amazing! I can see a hugely successful writing career spanning out into the future for her and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
It’s a timeless classic! – there isn’t any more I can say, it really is a beautiful, heartbreaking love story that will forever stay lodged inside my romantic heart.
I have to say a huge thank you to the Aria team for allowing me to be apart of this blog tour and to Olivia just for writing this spell-binding book

Absolutely beautiful.
The only reason this one received 3 stars from me was because it was a bit slow paced for me, I found myself skimming quite a bit of it. Romance is a newer genre to me, and someone who reads it regularly will really, really enjoy this one ❤️
It’s told through two POV’s, Zara and Leon’s. Zara’s alternates between present day and the past, which was enjoyable. The author paints such a gorgeous setting of every single place mentioned in this book- I was never without a crystal clear image in my head about what I was reading. I found myself so aggravated that Zara/Dominique didn’t immediately recognize Leon/Alexander years later when their characters met up. I hated that the universe was seemingly bringing them back to each other, only for fate to be like “nah... not yet” and pulling them back apart. It was series after series of missed connections and tragedies that kept our two main lovebirds away from finding their lives together.
There was a point where I really thought Leon/Alexander was dead, after the unfortunate plane crash. And then he received another name, Anthony. 😔 The multiple names for each character really made it a bit hard to follow, I wish that they had kept their original names.
I ultimately did enjoy the ending, you just knew that they’d eventually end up finding each other and putting two and two together- and I was so glad when that did happen.
The book reminded me so much of One Day in December, which I also didn’t love, but I know so many readers who did. This was very similar. Thank you so much Netgalley & Olivia Lara for providing me with my copy in exchange for my honest review!

Oh my goodness. I need to release this breathe I've been holding for the last 10% of the story... Can you say rollercoaster-of-emotions? YUP!
I just got of this ride and my heart is bruised. My heart and I were taken on a ride we didn't see coming and I'm so happy I got on.

This was recommended to me by a friend and with all the enthusiasm she had for it I got all excited myself and knew I had to read it.
The story was so well written. I loved it.
Yes. It put me through the ringer but what perfect angsty book doesn't.

Here's a book to all the angst lovers!

There were times when I was like "This is just not fair *pouting*"

And I might've done this a few times
*kick, scream and threw my kindle down*

There were times I felt so strung out I just wanted to read the ending, the HEA and the further I got the more I felt this would not end good and that made me nervous but I continued reading because I just couldn't stop.
I also had to tell myself that this might be one of those books that ends perfectly for the characters even of it's not the ending I wish for.

☆ The experience itself is worth it ☆ Someday in Paris is a must read of 2020

I usually love sweeping historical romances running across years and centuries. However, Someday in Paris was simply not my cup of tea.

The plot is a mish-mash of numerous romantic cliches - star-crossed lovers, soulmates, near-misses, best friends turned lovers and even memory loss. The concept of a deeper connection through dreams, though unique, was not sold convincingly enough to be touching. Although the pace was not too slow, the near-misses got increasingly frustrating and unconvincing, making me want to throw the book against a wall.

A major aspect lacking in the story is character development. In a story that runs for across nearly 20 years, and that too through some of the most crucial years of the characters' life, there could have been so much insight into the minds and souls of Zara and Leon at the very least, though I would have loved to know more of Vincent and Nicole as well. The only thing that 'develops' over the years is a waning of Zara's belief in her dreams, which is an obvious characteristic for any 20-something, especially when it is based on a chance encounter at the age of 15. An insight into the characters of Vincent and Nicole would have made for an interesting addition as well, since unlike the main characters, they were deeply flawed.

The prose, while dreamy at times, wasn't the highlight of the book. Since the plot moved fast to cram in as much as possible over years, there was little scope for imagery, poetry or even musings.

Overall, Someday in Paris was a disappointing read and I would not recommend it.

Ahhhhhh! I hardly know what to say. This is the most magical and romantic book I have ever read. Similar in a way to the movie Serendipity where two people meet who are meant to be and you hope that they will find their way back to each other. This book spans many decades and places over these two peoples lives. It is just absolutely lovely. I don’t ever think I will read another book that is so romantic and powerful again.

Review | Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara
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I’m a sucker for a romance that spans numerous years. This book was so emotional and very powerful. I loved the writing and thought it was beautiful. The lasting bond between Zara and Leon brings up the question of soul mates and destiny. Both characters showed a lot of growth throughout.

I’m also a fan of the Paris setting. The descriptions of the museums was so vivid!

Very well done!

A nice enough story and was an enjoyable pass of time, but I found it a bit too cliche, too many tropes used all at once and just not very original. It’s not something I would go back to again, as I said it was a nice read but I have enjoyed other books of the genre more.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

As teenagers a chance meeting in a darkened museum set Zara & Leon's lives spiralling  on an unpredictable course that spans decades and would have an impact neither would have imagined in their wildest dreams.

They may have only had a snatched hour during a power cut, but Zara's heart hasn't forgotten Leon. She dreams of him and for women in her family dreams are something not to be taken lightly. Despite frequent letter writing as teens, fate had other ideas and tragedy tore the two apart, losing contact and with no way to stay in touch that should have spelled the end of their budding romance. But, can years, distance and circumstance override destiny and keep soulmates apart?

Someday In Paris broke me! What more can I say except this is an exquisitely written, complex love story that broke my heart over and over, keeping me up most of the night reading desperate to reach the conclusion. Olivia Lara has created a love story of epic proportions that's filled with a cast of colourful, relatable characters that I know will stay with me for a long time to come.

This story is extremely thought provoking and really left me thinking about destiny and what the universe has lined up for each and every one of us. This aspect of the book was a pleasant surprise as I expected a simple love story, instead discovering one with themes that offered the realistic perspective that love isn't a fairy tale. which gave it so much more depth.

Throughout the story there were lots of references to museums as well as specific artists and their work. I really enjoyed this aspect from a personal perspective as I studied art history and have a keen interest in this area - although it did make me want to pack a bag and take a trip to the Louvre, a place it seems I'm not destined to visit after two cancelled trips!

I can't recommend this book enough, it's a 5 star plus read for me! If you decide to give it a go I highly advise having a pack of tissues to hand for this story filled to bursting with love, loss, pain, tragedy and most importantly forgiveness.